Neymar was out for more than a year until last month following right knee surgery.
The Brazilian superstar lasted just 26 minutes as a second-half substitute before limping off with an apparent right hamstring strain in Monday's 3-0 AFC Champions League Elite win over Esteghlal.
The evening ended on a sour note for Al-Hilal when Neymar, who returned two weeks ago from a year out due to a ruptured cruciate ligament, was replaced 29 minutes after his introduction from the bench due to injury.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker had not played since rupturing his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while on international duty in October last year.
"Happy to be back in the group," Neymar posted on Instagram, with pictures of him running and kicking the ball, watched by Al Hilal's Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus.
Brazil coach Dorival Junior called for Neymar to be given as much time as he needs to make a complete recovery from a knee injury that has sidelined him for almost a year.
Neymar is set to miss the start of the next Saudi Pro League season as he recovers from a serious knee injury, Al Hilal's coach said Tuesday.
The country of Pele, Garrincha and Ronaldinho, which once wowed the world with its 'samba' style, has not won the World Cup since 2002. Nor has it produced a Ballon d'Or winner since Kaka in 2007.
Jorge Jesus' side, top of the Saudi league and still alive in the King's Cup and Asian Champions league, are bidding for a quadruple of trophies this season.
Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes admitted the World Cup favourites lacked some of their usual verve after they needed a late Casemiro strike to beat Switzerland and secure a place in the last 16.
Opposition defenders ganging up on players like Neymar is nothing new.
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After Neymar left the pitch injured against Serbia in Brazil’s opening World Cup game and shed tears on the bench, it reflected his helplessness more than anything else.
Versatile Brazil forward Rodrygo has hugely impressed international teammate Casemiro, who said on Saturday he could replace the injured Neymar as a World Cup starter.
There is no doubt that the lifestyle of international footballers is one that never ceases to amaze. In addition to winning matches, popular athletes also land themselves various lucrative brand deals and endorsements that easily place them among the highest earners in the world. However, while some players may choose to spend lavishly, others prefer the simpler things in life.
With flags flying everywhere and people putting on football shirts, it’s a magical time. But nobody makes the most of this time like Argentina or Brazil fans. It is said often that Bengalis are a passionate lot and it certainly shows when the World Cup begins.
Brazilian duo Neymar and Danilo will miss Brazil's remaining World Cup group games against Switzerland and Cameroon after sustaining injuries in Thursday's opening 2-0 victory over Serbia, the team's doctor said on Friday.
Footballers mingling with celebrities are nothing new as people from both sides often cross path, creating friendships between stars. From being friends with A-list Hollywood actors, and singers, even with players of other sports, footballers sure know how to keep the limelight on themselves even when they are off the field. So, let’s take a look at some of the celebrity friends of famous footballers.
The biggest names in world football will be eyeing the ultimate glory of winning the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, but it will also be the last one for some of the legends of the game who have enthralled us with their timeless football skills, leaving a void that will be hard to fill.