Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — After a year-long absence due to a cruciate ligament injury, Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus has included Brazilian star Neymar Jr. in the Al Hilal squad traveling to the UAE for the upcoming match against Al Ain on Monday in the third round of the AFC Champions League.

Neymar has completed his rehabilitation program and actively participated in team training.

Neymar suffered a torn cruciate ligament and cartilage while playing for the Brazilian national team against Uruguay on October 18, 2023, during the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This injury kept him sidelined for a full year for treatment and rehabilitation before Jorge Jesus decided to include him in the squad for the match against Al Ain.

On another note, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou will miss the match against Al Ain due to a hamstring strain. He is still undergoing his treatment and rehabilitation program. The traveling squad also includes goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who is nearing the completion of his rehabilitation.

The Al Hilal delegation departed for the UAE on Saturday evening after completing their training session. The team will conduct its final training on Sunday at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium ahead of the highly anticipated match against the Asian champions, Al Ain, on Monday.