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Neymar Al Hilal 2024Getty
Aditya Gokhale

Is Neymar back? Al-Hilal star could make Saudi Pro League return after being registered in squad - forcing fellow Brazil star to be left out

Neymar
Al Hilal
Saudi Pro League
Renan Lodi

After being out injured for almost a year, Neymar may be nearing his return as Al-Hilal registered the player for the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Neymar set to be registered by Al-Hilal
  • Has been out injured for almost a year
  • Renan Lodi to be snubbed in registration

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Neymar suffered a terrible injury in September of 2023 while on duty with the Brazilian national team, and the Al-Hilal star has been unable to return to the field since then. However, the Saudi Pro League side are set to register the former Barcelona star to the squad for the new season as per Saudi publication Ariyadhiah.

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  • Renan Lodi Hilal 2024Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The Saudi Pro League only allows clubs to register a total of 10 foreign players to their squads every season so as to not affect the rise of domestic players. Al-Hilal already have 10 foreign players on their roster and Neymar's registration would close out the spot for one international player, and the report has suggested that the player could be former Atletico Madrid star Renan Lodi.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Lodi has been a regular for Al-Hilal since his move to the club in the winter transfer window, however, the arrivals of Joao Cancelo from Manchester City and left-back Miteb Al Harbi has the Saudi Pro League side pondering upon the Brazilian's place in the squad.

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  • Al-Hilal Presented with the Saudi Pro League TrophyGetty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR AND LODI?

    If Neymar is indeed expected to return to action before the end of 2024, it is obvious that the Brazilian star will be included in the squad. As for Lodi, it has been reported over the last week that Al-Hilal have been looking for suitors for the full-back but with the transfer window ticking down it is unlikely that the same will be achieved before the deadline.