Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Brazilian football sensation Neymar’s highly anticipated debut for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal might be delayed until September due to an injury, as confirmed by Al-Hilal’s coach, Jorge Jesus.
Neymar’s transfer to Al-Hilal from Paris St Germain was finalized just last week, sealing a two-year contract that has reportedly commanded a staggering 160 million euros ($174 million), according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
Addressing the media, Coach Jorge Jesus remarked, “Neymar is an innovative and creative player, he will undoubtedly contribute to our improvement. However, he is currently dealing with a minor injury, and the timeline for his return remains uncertain. We are hopeful he might be match-fit by mid-September.”
The King Fahd International Stadium bore witness to a grand welcoming ceremony, attended by a crowd of 60,000 enthusiastic spectators, as drones illuminated the sky above Al-Hilal’s home ground with the message “Neymar is Blue.” Despite the fanfare, the debut match ended in a 1-1 draw against Al-Fayha.
Expressing astonishment, Coach Jesus also shared his surprise at Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers scheduled for next month.
“I don’t understand how the Brazilian national team could have called him up; he is simply not in a condition to play,” Jesus asserted.
Neymar has been absent from the Brazilian national team since the previous World Cup, having sustained an ankle injury in February. Despite his extended recovery period, he has been named in the roster for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers. Brazil is set to face Bolivia on September 8 and Peru just four days later.
Neymar’s potential September debut for Al-Hilal is eagerly anticipated, as fans and football enthusiasts await his impact on the Saudi Arabian football landscape. However, concerns over his injury status and recent selection by the Brazilian national team raise questions about the player’s readiness for the international stage.
