Neymar Returns to Al-Hilal Training After Injury

TDT | Manama

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Brazilian superstar Neymar has returned to full training with Al-Hilal after recovering from a serious knee injury that kept him sidelined for a year. The 32-year-old forward is set to rejoin the squad for their Asian Champions League clash against UAE Pro League side Al-Ain on Monday, marking his much-anticipated return to competitive football.

Neymar's Long Road to Recovery

Neymar sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023, undergoing surgery the following month. Since then, his recovery has been closely followed, with fans eager for his return. His injury not only sidelined him from the Saudi Pro League but also forced him to miss Brazil’s 2024 Copa America campaign, where they exited in the quarter-finals to Croatia.

After a year away from the game, Neymar’s return is seen as a potential turning point for Al-Hilal. Having moved to the Riyadh-based club from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023 for around €90 million ($97.8 million), Neymar managed to play just five games before his injury issues surfaced.

Luis Suarez’s Recent Comments

Adding to the intrigue around Neymar’s return, his former Barcelona teammate and close friend Luis Suarez recently shared his thoughts on the Brazilian’s career choices. Suarez revealed that he had hoped Neymar would join Manchester City instead of PSG, believing that City would have been the ideal place for Neymar to “win it all” and potentially capture the elusive Ballon d'Or.

“I wanted him to go to Manchester City because I thought it would be the best place for him to win every major trophy and also be in the conversation for the Ballon d'Or every year,” Suarez remarked.

While Neymar’s journey took a different path, with a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League, Suarez’s comments highlight the widespread belief that Neymar still has the potential to dominate the global football stage. His return to Al-Hilal offers him a fresh chance to make his mark after a frustrating year off the pitch.

Back in Training, Ready for Action

Al-Hilal confirmed Neymar’s return to training on social media, stating, “Neymar participated in team training after completing his recovery program.” The club added, “He’s back and will join the squad for the away trip to Al-Ain.”

With Al-Hilal competing in both the Saudi Pro League and the Asian Champions League, Neymar's return comes at a crucial time. The team is looking to push forward in the Champions League, and Neymar's presence could provide a significant boost in their ambitions.

What Lies Ahead

Neymar’s comeback is expected to reinvigorate Al-Hilal’s attack as they prepare for their match against Al-Ain at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium. For Neymar, it’s an opportunity to remind the world of his talents and reassert himself on the big stage. With the added support of his teammates and the continued speculation about his future, all eyes will be on the Brazilian forward as he aims to lead Al-Hilal to further success.

Despite the setbacks over the past year, Neymar’s return could mark the start of a new chapter for both him and the club, and potentially reignite the Ballon d’Or discussions that his friend Suarez had wished for.