Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal are expected to gain a big boost this week, when Brazil international Neymar is expected to make his return a year after tearing his ACL.
Neymar will be available for selection in Al-Hilal's AFC Champions League game at Emirati side Al Ain on Monday, when they aim to extend their lead atop Group B after winning both of their opening matches of the campaign. Al-Hilal have been without Neymar for roughly a year, when he sustained the long-lasting injury while playing for Brazil. The club announced Saturday that Neymar would make his return through a video on social media in which he said, "I know you're anxious. I am too. On October 21st, I'm back."
Ahead of Neymar's return to the pitch after a year-long absence, here's what you need to know.
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How to watch and odds
- Date: Monday, Oct. 21 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium -- Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Al Ain +500; Draw +400; Al-Hilal -225
Neymar to make his return
Neymar last played on Oct. 13, 2023, when he tore his ACL during Brazil's 2-0 loss to Uruguay in World Cup qualifying, only a few months after joining Al-Hilal in the most high-profile move to the Gulf nation in a summer of spending for Saudi Pro League sides.
He's only made five appearances for the club after the longest spell on the sidelines of his career, recounting the difficulties of a lengthy setback.
"I felt enormous pain and already knew it was serious,"he said, per BeIN Sports. "What I love most in life is playing football. I suffer every day that I can't do it. That's what hurts the most. … Every time I get injured, I come back. But I don't come back halfway, and I won't give up."
It is unclear how big a role Neymar will play in his first game back considering the length of his spell on the sidelines and the severity of the injury, though he has been in training with Al-Hilal since Sept. 29, per ESPN.