Neymar reflects on time in Saudi Arabia after latest injury setback

Last week news broke that Neymar had suffered a setback in his return from ACL injury.

The Brazilian star was making his second appearance since returning from a year-long injury layoff when he picked up a hamstring injury. He is expected to be sidelined for between four and six weeks while he recovers.

“Unfortunately, it is not a simple injury and he seems to be suffering from muscle pain and it is not a knee issue,” Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus said after the Game.

It’s now been 15 months since the Saudi side paid a reported $90 million to bring him from Paris Saint-Germain but he has made just seven competitive appearances. With a domestic limit of ten foreign players per team, it remains unclear if Neymar will make the team roster for the second half of the season.

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What did Neymar say about Saudi Arabia?

It’s been a pretty underwhelming start for Neymar in the Saudi Pro League. He has been unfortunate with injuries but the extent of these fitness worries has done little to silence those who have doubted his professionalism in recent years.

But in a recent video, filmed as part of Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup, Neymar insisted that he has no regrets about the move.

“The opportunity to play here and live in a country like this is very important for people. That’s why I always say that I was very well received here,” Neymar said.

“I’m very happy and I’m sure it will only get better. I’m sure other stars will come here. I believe that many will have the opportunity to come here, and I think that everyone should have the opportunity to experience what I have experienced here.”

It had been hoped that Neymar could be back in international contention by this point, more than a year on from the injury sustained in October 2023. However Brazil coach Dorival Junior was keen not to rush him back into the fray, a decision that looks vindicated by this latest injury issue.

Brazil’s November fixtures see them take on Venezuela (November 14) and Uruguay (November 19). After a shaky start to qualifying Brazil are in fourth in the CONMEBOL standings, needing a few more wins to sure up their place in the 2026 World Cup.