Al Hilal and Brazil forward Neymar has been ruled out for around four to six weeks after tearing his hamstring on Monday, having only just returned from an ACL injury.
Having only just made his return from a harrowing ACL injury suffered towards the end of 2023, Neymar has been dealt another blow after picking up a hamstring injury in the AFC Champions League.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star made just three appearances in the Saudi Pro League on his debut campaign last term, spending almost the entire season on the sidelines with his ACL issue.
He made his return to the field of play as a late substitue against Al-Ain last month, before making a second consecutive substitute appearance against Esteghlal on Monday.
Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer lasted less than 30 minutes however, as he was forced off with what has now been confirmed to be a hamstring tear in the 87th minute.
His latest injury setback comes amid reports that Al Hilal are considering terminating his contract in January despite the deal running until the summer of 2025, with an option to extend for a further year.
Neymar has made a total of just seven appearances for the club since signing for a reported €90 million fee in August 2023, returning one goal and three assists within those games.
Al Hilal Confirm Neymar Hamstring Injury
The Brazilian’s employers Al Hilal confirmed in a statement that the 32-year-old has suffered a torn hamstring, and that they expect him to be sidelined for four to six weeks.
“The scans revealed that Neymar Jr. has suffered a tear in his hamstring,” the statement read.
“He will undergo a treatment and rehabilitation program that will last from four to six weeks.”
It means that the 32-year-old will likely miss his side’s Saudi Pro League fixtures against Al-Ettifaq, Al-Khaleej, Al-Shabab and Al-Raed as well as their AFC Champions League fixtures against Al-Sadd and Al-Gharafa.
Al Hilal are currently top of the Saudi Arabian top-flight, having won the title for a record 19th time last season.
