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Neymar is expected to undergo treatment and rehabilitation lasting four to six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury, Al Hilal confirmed on Wednesday, intensifying speculation over the Brazilian's future with Saudi Arabian club.
Neymar made his second club appearance following a 12-month injury layoff by coming on as a substitute in the 58th minute of Al Hilal's 3-0 win over Esteghlal of Iran in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday.
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The former Barcelona star then pulled up after stretching for the ball with three minutes remaining and had to be replaced.
"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 Wednesday in a news conference in Riyadh.
Neymar took to social media to update his fans.
"Hopefully nothing too much" he wrote. "It's normal that after one year [out] this happens, the doctors had already warned me, so I have to be careful and play more minutes."
Saudi Arabian media speculated that Al Hilal may not register Neymar, whose contract ends in June 2025, for the second-half of the Saudi Pro League season.
Neymar Jr. signed with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in 2023. Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Neymar has played just seven games for the 19-time Saudi champion since signing in August 2023 for a reported fee of $90 million. He is not currently registered to play domestic league games as the club has a full contingent of 10 foreign players, but is allowed to play in continental competitions.
A new registration window opens in January.
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Source: espn.co.uk