Neymar's long-awaited return from injury has hit a snag after just 42 minutes on the pitch. The Brazilian had been absent for over a calendar year courtesy of a torn ACL suffered on October 17, 2023 while on international duty with Brazil. Having finally recovered from his serious knee injury, Neymar returned to the pitch on October 21 of this year, but his efforts to stay fit were dashed shortly after. He made just two substitute appearances in the AFC Champions League totaling 42 minutes before suffering a hamstring injury. His club Al Hilal confirmed on Wednesday that Neymar will miss four to six weeks thanks to a "tear in his hamstring." While the club did not confirm the severity of the injury, that recovery timeline is consistent with a Grade 2 hamstring tear. Neymar signed for Al Hilal in the summer of 2023, but has played just seven total matches for a combined 428 minutes for the club. The Brazilian has struggled with injuries throughout his entire career. However, he has not been laden with too many muscle injuries to this point, which makes this hamstring tear concerning. Most of Neymar's problems had been ligament-based, largely concentrated in his ankles and knees. Adding muscle problems to that increasing injury list only furthers concerns of his long-term ability to stay on the pitch as he is set to turn 33 in February.
