The coach of Saudi giants Al Hilal have reportedly come to a big decision regarding Neymar ahead of their clash against Pitso Mosimane's Esteghlal.
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The Brazilian superstar signed for the Blue Wave at the start of last season from Paris Saint-Germain for a staggering €90 million (R1.7 billion), but during this time Riyadh, he has only made six appearances for hismside.
It is because he suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury early on during the 2023/24 campaign and it has taken the winger an entire year to recover.
While he missed out on Al Hilal's historic Saudi Pro League winning campaign last season, he has now returned to action for Jorge Jesus' side, making his first appearance of the campaign in the AFC Champions League against Al Ain.
The Mogi das Cruzes native made a 13-minute cameo in the enthralling 5-4 victory against the Emirati side, but it seems that Jesus is still apprehensive about starting Brazil's all-time top goalscorer ahead of the continental clash against Mosimane's new side.
According to Al-Riyadh, the Portuguese tactician wants to start Neymar from the bench against the Iranian giants and will likely introduce him in the second half.
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The slow reintegration of the 32-year-old was always likely given the amount of time he spent on the sidelines. Perhaps Jesus does not want to reaggravate the aforementioned injury, or for him to sustain a new knock, by rushing their marquee signing backing into the starting XI.
By Kamogelo Motecwane
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