Al Hilal manager Jorge Jesus has said he hopes Brazil forward Neymar can return to action from September.
Neymar, 32, has not played since he underwent surgery after rupturing his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee while on international duty in October 2023.
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“The [recovery] time they give Neymar, in an injury like this, is normally between 10 and 11 months,” Jorge Jesus said. “Neymar will not be operational at the start of next season. We think that in September, October, he may be in a position to compete.”
After arriving at Al Hilal in August on a two-year contract, Neymar made just five appearances for the Saudi Pro League giants before sustaining the season-ending injury.
Neymar, who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, will sit out this summer’s Copa América but could feature in his country’s South American World Cup qualifiers later this year.
Meanwhile, Jorge Jesus confirmed he is in talks to sign a contract extension with the Saudi Pro League champions.
The Portuguese coached returned to Al Hilal last summer, going on to achieve a record-breaking run of 34 consecutive wins before losing to Al Ain in the Asian Champions League semifinal in April.
“First I will settle the contract with the board and then that [team planning for next season] will come,” he said. “But I confirm that we are in constant discussions about the players.”
