Neymar will be absent at the commencement of the upcoming Saudi Pro League season as he continues to recover from a severe knee injury. Al Hilal’s coach, Jorge Jesus, confirmed this development on Tuesday.
Neymar sustained the injury in October, which sidelined him for much of the current season. Despite his absence, Al Hilal clinched the league title for a record-extending 19th time earlier this month.
The Saudi Pro League traditionally kicks off in August, but Neymar’s recovery timeline means he will also miss the Copa America scheduled for next month.
“All I know now is that the time given to Neymar to recover and with similar injuries it is approximately from 10 to 11 months,” stated Jorge Jesus during a press briefing in Riyadh.
“If we calculate mathematically, he will not be ready at the beginning of pre-season training,” he added. Al Hilal, the reigning champions, still have two fixtures left in the current league season.
Neymar, 32, underwent surgery in Brazil last November to address a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus damage. The injury occurred during Brazil’s 2-0 loss to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier, where Neymar had to be stretchered off the field in tears following a collision with an opponent.
Despite his injury woes, Neymar was spotted ringside in Riyadh on Sunday, witnessing Oleksandr Usyk defeat Tyson Fury to claim boxing’s first undisputed world heavyweight championship in 25 years.
Neymar’s move to Al Hilal in 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) marked another significant acquisition for the Saudi Pro League, known for its high-profile signings. The Brazilian attacker signed a lucrative deal, earning 100 million euros per season, while PSG received a similar amount for the transfer.
Neymar’s prolonged absence will be a setback for Al Hilal, who have benefited from his star power and skill on the field. The team will have to strategize on maintaining their performance levels without one of their key players.
Neymar’s recovery process and eventual return will be closely monitored by fans and the football community alike, as he is expected to make a significant impact once back on the pitch.
In the meantime, Al Hilal will focus on finishing the current season on a high note and preparing for the next season without their star player. The team’s depth will be tested as they navigate the initial stages of the season without Neymar’s contributions.
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