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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.

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Collage of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from October 2024
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Al-HilalAl-Hilal77002161521
2Al Ittihad76012081218
3Al-Nassr75201641217
4Al Riyadh74121111013
5Al ShababAl Shabab740365112
6Al-TaawounAl-Taawoun732296311
7Al-AhliAl-Ahli7313117410
8Al Quadisiya731376110
9Al Ettifaq731379-210
10Al Orubah7313912-310
11Al RaedAl Raed722311838
12Damac72141012-27
13Al Khaleej7214310-77
14Al WahdaAl Wahda71331018-86
15Al Kholood7124813-55
16Al Fayha7124515-105
17Al Okhdood7115612-64
18Al Fateh7115513-84


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