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Injured Neymar to be Replaced by a Left Back at Al Hilal: Reports

Published 12/20/2023, 10:07 PM EST

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via Imago

The Saudi Pro League table-toppers, Al Hilal, have made a plan for the remaining season. After losing Neymar, the club from Riyadh is now looking for a capable replacement for the next few months. According to a shocking report, the team’s strategy will be to bring in a left-back and not an attacking player who can directly replace the likes of the Brazilian icon. Al Hilal has already been coping with the absence of their record signing, almost since his arrival at the club. The player has hardly played five games and failed to make a substantial impact.

Jorge Jesus has been working on his squad strategy since the time Neymar was ruled out. The Al Hilal coach’s initial discussions with the management were about signing a left-back instead of an attacker. And now it looks like the management is adhering to the same plan. However, there are no speculations or reports about who the player can be.

 

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Al Hilal’s plan to go the defensive way instead of an outright attacker like the Brazilian may be due to the situation they are in. The club is currently at the top of both major competitions, the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Pro League.

The Riyadh-based club is having a lethal attacking season this year. Players like Aleksandar Mitrovic and Malcom have stepped up, scoring 24 goals already. Also, the native player Salem Al-Dawsari has scored eight goals, which proves the club’s attacking dominance. But the team, along with Neymar’s fans, would still have expected to watch the Brazilian a little more, at least. What’s the latest news about his future?

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An injured Neymar is set to miss the 2024 Copa America too

After suffering a left ACL and meniscus injury, Neymar’s medical team was working to bring him back by the 2024 Copa America, starting in June 2024. But his return to the field won’t happen until August 2024, much to the disappointment of both players and fans, the national team doctor confirmed. Neymar was advised against expediting the process, keeping in mind the risks involved.

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Both Al Hilal and Brazil will go ahead without Neymar for their major tournaments. The two-time champions of the AFC Champions League will resume their current pursuit in 2024. The team has already reached the Round of 16 and was unbeaten in the group stage. Going with stability by opting for a left-back for the rest of the season, Al Hilal will look to finish off the season on a high.

WATCH THIS STORY: Jimmy Butler Approves $120,000,000 Richer ‘Friend’ Neymar Jr’s Multi-Million Saudi League Deal

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Written by:

Ruthu

825Articles

One take at a time

Growing up in a sporting background, I found a passion for soccer through the remarkable 2002 World Cup-winning Brazilian football team. Watching the Premier League where Thierry Henry-starring ‘Invincible’ Gunners and Sir Alex Ferguson’s glorious Manchester United had ruled, I had my heart set on Arsenal. However, Ronaldo Nazario, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho are my favorite players and Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz