MX23RW : Saturday, November 23 05:59:43| >> :600:127469:127469:

Neymar makes long-awaited return following injury nightmare with 2026 World Cup target set

2026 target? Neymar makes long-awaited return following injury nightmare
© Imago
Brazil attacker Neymar returns to competitive action for Al-Hilal for the first time since suffering a major ACL injury in October 2023.

Neymar has returned to competitive action for Al-Hilal for the first time in over a year.

The 32-year-old suffered a serious knee injury at the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign, sidelining the superstar of world football for over 12 months.

Neymar suffered a rupture to his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier versus Uruguay in October 2023.

As a result, the former Barcelona great only made five appearances for Al-Hilal on his debut season before being sentenced to a long-term spell on the sidelines.

Neymar secured a high-profile switch to the Saudi Pro League from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer, with the attacker scoring 118 goals over a six-year spell with Les Parisiens.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez in 2017© Imago

Neymar's long-awaited return

After over a year of watching on from the sidelines, Neymar made a return to the competitive pitch for Al-Hilal on October 21 in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The Saudi Pro League giants were pitting their wits against United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain, who remain winless after three matches of the group stage.

Al-Hilal won the contest 5-4 in the end, with Neymar having the chance to add to his single goal for his current employers in the closing stages.

The Brazilian arrived onto the pitch for a 13-minute cameo Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium and formed part of a threatening counter-attack for Jorge Jesus's troops.

Brazil head coach Dorival Junior on September 6, 2024© Imago

Neymar's 2026 target

Approaching the end of his career, the main focus for supporters around the world will be on how Neymar can enjoy success on the international stage.

In theory, the footballing legend is available to feature for Dorival Junior's side in November's international break as the Selecao fight for a place at the World Cup in 2026.

Currently fourth in the CONMEBOL rankings, Brazil will travel to Venezuela on November 14 before hosting Uruguay on November 20 in matchdays 11 and 12 respectively.

ID:556130:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect3315:

Neymar future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Neymar

Click here for more stories about Al-Hilal

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Collage of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from October 2024
Read Next:
Ronaldo vs. Messi: Who are the top 10 highest-paid footballers of 2024?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Al-HilalAl-Hilal109102781928
2Al Ittihad109012481627
3Al-Nassr1164122101222
4Al ShababAl Shabab11713157822
5Al Quadisiya11713158722
6Al-AhliAl-Ahli11524159617
7Al Khaleej105141212016
8Al-TaawounAl-Taawoun10433119215
9Al Riyadh104241315-214
10Damac103251618-211
11Al RaedAl Raed103251315-211
12Al Ettifaq10325915-611
13Al Orubah10316921-1210
14Al Okhdood112361215-39
15Al Kholood101451219-77
16Al Fayha11146720-137
17Al WahdaAl Wahda101361427-136
18Al Fateh10127818-105


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!