Neymar’s return will wait. Having undergone knee surgery in November 2023, the Brazilian will not be ready to start the season with Al-Hilal, the Portuguese coach of the reigning Saudi Arabian champion club Jorge Jesus announced on Tuesday. “All I know at the moment is that the time needed for Neymar to recover, and in general for this type of injury, is 10 to 11 months,” said the technician.

“If we do the math, he will not be ready to do the pre-season preparation,” which begins this summer, added Jesus. Al-Hilal secured a fourth title in five years last week.

The former Barça and PSG player underwent surgery in Brazil in November for a ruptured cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee, after being injured with Brazil on October 17 against Uruguay, in qualifying for the World Cup. 2026.