Al-Hilal's Neymar Expected to Miss Two Weeks with Injury

Brazil's Neymar waves to fans during a training session in Cuiaba, Brazil, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. (AP)
Brazil's Neymar waves to fans during a training session in Cuiaba, Brazil, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. (AP)
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Al-Hilal's Neymar Expected to Miss Two Weeks with Injury

Brazil's Neymar waves to fans during a training session in Cuiaba, Brazil, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. (AP)
Brazil's Neymar waves to fans during a training session in Cuiaba, Brazil, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. (AP)

Al-Hilal's Neymar is expected to miss two weeks with an injury.

Neymar made just his second appearance for the Saudi club 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.

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 press conference in Riyadh. “He is expected to be out for two weeks.”

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.”

Neymar has played just seven games for the 19-time Saudi champion since signing in August 2023.

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.



Riyadh to Host Professional Fighters League Finals Friday for 1st Time in Saudi Arabia

This marks the first time the Kingdom has hosted this an event of this level - SPA
This marks the first time the Kingdom has hosted this an event of this level - SPA
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Riyadh to Host Professional Fighters League Finals Friday for 1st Time in Saudi Arabia

This marks the first time the Kingdom has hosted this an event of this level - SPA
This marks the first time the Kingdom has hosted this an event of this level - SPA

Riyadh is scheduled to host the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Finals on Friday, featuring elite global athletes in mixed martial arts.

This marks the first time the Kingdom has hosted this prestigious event, organized by the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation in collaboration with the PFL and under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport. The event will take place at King Saud University's indoor arena, according to SPA.
The finals, part of a series of global events hosted by the Kingdom, will feature six main bouts across various official weight classes. Competitors will vie for titles and a total prize pool of $6 million, with $1 million awarded to each winner of the official matches.
Saudi Arabia's hosting of this event reflects its growing global status in recent years, establishing it as a preferred destination for regional and international sports events across all games, which underscores the Ministry of Sport's commitment to sustainable efforts aimed at achieving the sports objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 to reach sports excellence at all levels.