Al-Hilal are SLAMMED for posting a graphic wishing Neymar well

Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal have been criticised for their choice of graphic when wishing Neymar well after he suffered a serious knee injury.

The former PSG and Barcelona forward picked up the agonising injury while playing for Brazil in their 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday evening.

It was confirmed on Wednesday that Neymar had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee, with the Brazilian now facing a race against time to recover ahead of the Copa America in the United States next summer.

Neymar completed a £78m move to Al-Hilal this summer, signing a two-year deal worth £130m-per-season and scored his first goal against Iranian side FC Nassaji Mazandaran in the AFC Champions League earlier this month.

After news of his injury was confirmed, the 31-year-old's club posted on X: 'The medical tests Neymar underwent confirmed the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Meniscus tear injury in his knee. He will be going through surgery and then a treatment program that will be determined later. Return stronger @neymarjr.'

However, their well wishes were accompanied with a graphic of Neymar screaming in agony while holding his knee following the incident on Tuesday evening, leading to some people to criticise the club.

One fan said: 'Sorry but why would you make this graphic,' before another added: 'This picture choice is brutal y'all come on now.'

A further supporter quipped: 'Need a new marketing team' and another fan added: 'Why they using this photo?'.

A final supporter agreed as they also said: 'Why would you use that picture of him in agony?'

After news of his injury was confirmed, Neymar wrote on Instagram: 'It's a very sad moment, the worst. I know I'm strong but this time I'll need my (family and friends) even more.

'It's not easy going through injury and surgery, imagine going through all that again after 4 months of recovery.

'I have faith, even too much... But the strength I put in the hands of God so that he can renew mine. Thanks for the messages of support and love.'

Neymar knew something was wrong as soon as he went down on Tuesday. He collapsed after competing for the ball with Nicolas de la Cruz in the 44th minute, holding his left leg in pain and calling for medical attention as his team-mates looked on anxiously.

The 31-year-old was taken off via a stretcher at half-time in clear agony and was pictured with a leg brace after the game.

This year has already been a difficult one for Neymar with regards to injuries.

His final season at PSG was blighted by a right ankle injury in February which required surgery and meant that he played no more games for the French giants.

Neymar's last game at PSG was the 4-3 win over Lille that month, during which he had to be stretchered off due to the injury.