Neymar can't catch a break: Al-Hilal & Brazil superstar learns extent of hamstring injury suffered just after return from long ACL rupture layoff

Hilal have confirmed that Neymar has sustained a hamstring tear, doing so in his second game back after a yearlong absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The Brazil superstar moved to the club in 2023 but has played just seven games for the Saudi Arabian side, and was substituted in the 86th minute of Hilal's 3-0 win over Iran's Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League earlier this week.

Hilal have confirmed that he faces missing between four to six weeks and will follow a specialist rehabilitation routine. Hilal are currently top of the Saudi Pro League and remain unbeaten, even without the ex-Barcelona star's influence. His injury record means that he will reportedly be left out of Hilal's squad for the second half of the season, opening the door to a potential January transfer.

Neymar had played down the severity of the injury immediately after the game, but appears to have been proven wrong.

He said at the time: "It felt like a cramp, only very strong. I'm going to have some tests and I hope it's nothing too serious. It's normal for this to happen after a year. The doctors had already warned me, so I have to be careful and play more minutes."

Hilal play Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq on Friday as they bid to continue their unbeaten start to the season. Neymar will have to watch on from afar.