Al-Hilal decide to axe ex-Chelsea star so Neymar can be registered for Saudi Pro League action in new year as injury-plagued Brazilian gets surprise last chance

Brazil international Neymar is nursing another knock at present, with the South American forward enduring an injury-ravaged spell in the Middle East. He has been restricted to just seven appearances for Al-Hilal since joining them from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023.

Knee ligament damage kept Neymar sidelined for over 12 months, with the 32-year-old forced back onto the treatment shortly after making his return to competitive action. Despite those struggles, and talk of his contract being terminated, it is being claimed that he will be included in Al-Hilal’s squad for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.

As Neymar is given one last chance in which to prove his worth, Marca reports that experienced Senegalese defender Koulibaly – who left Premier League giants Chelsea in June 2023 – will be cut from Jorge Jesus’ ranks after failing to convince across 18 months in Riyadh.

Neymar’s contract is only due to run until the summer of 2025, but does include an extension option. Amid his struggles to find form and fitness, it has been suggested that he could line up a reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami or return to where it all began for him at boyhood club Santos.