Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal suffered a huge blow just days after signing star player, Neymar Jr. The reason behind the superstar’s delay was shared by the coach earlier this week.
Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed that the Brazilian is yet to start training with his new teammates due to an injury issue. Jesus revealed, “Neymar arrived injured, he has a small muscular problem. I don’t know when exactly he will return and be ready to play and train normally. He shouldn’t be available to the Brazilian national team and shouldn’t travel to join them. He is in rehab now.”
🚨 Jorge Jesus, Al-Hilal head coach, has confirmed that Neymar has arrived to the club with an injury. He won’t be able to train yet. 🤕
(Source: @Alhilal_FC) pic.twitter.com/Ia5waRw8Qt
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 20, 2023
As per reports, the Al-Hilal medical team is expecting the player to recover from his injury during the international break. Therefore, Neymar Jr. could be included in the Al-Hilal squad that would face Al-Riyadh on September 15.
The 31-year-old hasn’t played any club soccer since PSG‘s 4-3 win over Ligue 1 team Lille. Neymar Jr suffered an ankle injury and has undergone surgery. This ankle injury has been a theme with Neymar as he is often on the receiving end of a heavy volume of tackles. Reports have also suggested that these injuries have hindered Neymar from realizing his astronomical potential.
Neymar Jr. receives a grandiose welcome at new club Al-Hilal
The former Barcelona and PGS superstar was welcomed by thousands of fans at the King Fahd International Stadium as he walked out in Al-Hilal’s blue kit.
Fireworks lit up the Riyadh night sky as the former Barcelona player made his way onto the pitch. The Brazilian maestro was seen waving at his supporters as a drone display spelled out “Neymar is blue” above the King Fahd Stadium.
The call for prayer soon rang out in the stadium after the unveiling of Neymar, along with new signings Malcolm and Yassine Bounou. The crowd was seen going into a frenzy at the glimpse of one of the best soccer players in the world.
NEYMAR JR IS BLUE! 💙💙💙
His full presentation, what an incredible atmosphere from the Al Hilal fans. pic.twitter.com/3671V6jIq2
— Brasil Football 🇧🇷 (@BrasilEdition) August 19, 2023
The 31-year-old joined the Saudi club on a huge contract that can land him $400 million over two years if all the add-ons are considered. During his time at the Paris capital, he registered 118 goals to his name in 173 matches.
The player was also linked with a move to his former club, Barcelona along with other European clubs. However, he opted to leave European soccer and join the Saudi Pro League like many others.
The Saudi Arabian clubs have made impressive spending this summer. They have signed prolific players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Jordan Henderson, Ruben Neves, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino this summer.
Soccer maestro Cristiano Ronaldo had set the Saudi Pro League’s plan into motion as he joined Al-Nassr earlier this year after his time at Manchester United.