Neymar's Al-Hilal contract terminated?! Why Brazilian superstar doesn’t appear in Saudi club’s squad list amid ‘fake news’ reports

The rumours regarding the contract termination have been refuted by reputed journalist Saif Al Saif [via GOAL]. The report explains that the Brazilian is missing from Al-Hilal's squad list for the Saudi Pro League because the club needed to open up a registration spot for a foreign player, having recently signed Renan Lodi from Marseille. The league currently only allows eight foreign players to be registered at a time, with Neymar's season-ending injury opening up a spot for Lodi to be registered.

The Brazilian barely got going in Saudi Arabia after his high-profile switch to Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain before being struck with yet another serious injury. The former Barcelona winger suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament and meniscus tear in his left knee when playing for Brazil against Uruguay in the World Cup qualifiers on October 18, requiring surgery. He hasn't played for the Saudi outfit since, sparking rumours that his contract had been terminated as a result. As mentioned, these have since been been refuted by leading journalists such as Al Saif and Fabrizio Romano.

Despite being unregistered by Al-Hilal this winter, if Neymar does return in time for the end of the season, he will be able to participate in the AFC Champions League and any foreign tournament. However, Saudi football laws stipulate that he cannot participate in local Saudi tournaments, including the King's Cup.

Neymar's contract will not be terminated for the time being and the Brazilian will be able to work his magic in the Saudi Pro League when he returns from injury, likely in time for next season.