Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus has confirmed that Neymar will not be registered for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season and will only be able to play in the Asian Champions League. The Portuguese said the 32-year-old, who is currently out injured, can "no longer play at the level we are used to" and cast doubt on his future at the club.
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WHAT JORGE JESUS SAID
The Al-Hilal manager said after thrashing Al-Fateh 9-0 on Thursday: "Neymar will not be registered in the team for the championship. He can participate in the Asian Champions League. The Saudi League is one of the best leagues in the world. All Al-Hilal players can play for any club in Europe. Neymar can no longer play at the level we are used to. Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately. He is still under contract with Al Hilal and it may be up to him to decide his future. It depends on the administration. I don't know anything about Neymar's future. We have a place available on the list, reserved for a player born in 2003 or later."
At best, Neymar may only play a further seven games for Al-Hilal if they reach the final of the AFC Champions League this season. Their two-legged round of 16 tie in the competition is likely to take place in February.