Neymar returns for Al-Hilal in Al-Ain thriller in UAE

AFP, AL-AIN, United Arab Emirates

Brazil superstar Neymar on Monday returned to action following more than a year out, with the Al-Hilal forward appearing as a second-half substitute in his side’s gripping 5-4 win against Asian champions Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker, 32, had not played since rupturing his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while on international duty in October last year. Neymar, who underwent surgery and a sustained period of rehabilitation, is his country’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 79 goals in 128 appearances.

Named on the Al-Hilal bench for the first time since his injury, he was introduced on 76 minutes of the Asian Champions Elite encounter at a heaving Hazzan Bin Zayed Stadium in Al-Ain. By then, the record four-time Asian champions, who lead the Saudi Pro League, were up 5-3, thanks to goals from Renan Lodi and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and a Salem al-Dawsari hat-trick.

Neymar cannot be registered for the Saudi top-flight until January next year.

“I need to prepare Neymar with games; that’s the only possible means to bring him to his level, which was the idea today,” Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus said.

“There are some risks for the team because we need to use the games to prepare him, but it’s the only way to have one of our important players back at the highest level,” the Portuguese boss added.

Neymar had little time to truly impact the game, although he did flash wide an effort in the dying moments of normal time.

Al-Hilal sit top of the Western region group, with three victories from three while Al-Ain have picked up a solitary point.