New training photos show Neymar’s injury recovery

The Brazilian has been unable to play since suffering an ACL injury last October but the 32-year-old has finally returned to the field.

One year on from Neymar’s $100 million move to Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League may finally be about to get a good look at the Brazilian’s talents.

He made just five appearances in the fall of 2023 before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while on international duty with Brazil. He was stretchered from the field in tears and was ruled out for the remainder of the Saudi season.

But, after also missing Brazil’s underwhelming Copa América campaign, the 32-year-old looks to be nearing a return. On Tuesday Al-Hilal shared photos of Neymar back on the practice field, taking part in exercises as he continues to rebuild his fitness.

When will Neymar make his next appearance?

His return to fitness looks to have coincided well with the start of the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League season. Al-Hilal begin their campaign this weekend against Al Akhdoud, who finished 15th in the 18-team league last season.

Al-Hilal’s first big fixture comes next month when they host Al-Ittihad on September 21. Al-Ittihad boast the likes of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté and are expected to challenge for the championship again this year. So will Neymar be fit enough to take part in that potential title clash? He seems pretty confident...

“I’m hoping to be back very soon,” Neymar told Arab News. “We don’t have a definite date yet, but I’ll only return when I’m 100 percent ready.”

“I haven’t returned to [full] training yet, but I’m making good progress. It’s been a challenging period for me - this wasn’t an easy injury - but I’m working hard to come back stronger and play football again.”