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Brazil star Neymar reportedly faces being axed by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in January due to his continued Injury problems.
The 32-year-old returned for Al-Hilal last month following a year-long absence, after tearing his ACL in his left knee while playing for Brazil last October.
Neymar suffered a setback to his comeback on Monday having being forced off 29 minutes after coming on as a substitute in Al-Hilal’s Asian Champions League win over Esteghlal.
The former Barcelona and PSG star has sought to play down injury concerns by suggesting it was a cramp of his right thigh, but Brazilian reports have claimed he could be sidelined for at least three weeks.
According to Brazilian outlet UOL (as per msn.com), Al-Hilal is now considering cutting ties with the superstar in January.
The report claims the club have increasing doubts over the role Neymar could play in the final six months of the season, with his £130million-per-year deal due to expire at the end of the campaign.
Al-Hilal are reportedly considering a mutual termination of Neymar’s deal in January in a bid to offload his wages, while provide manager Jorge Jesus with greater flexibility in his squad.
Neymar is currently one of eight foreign players over the age of 21 in the Al-Hilal squad, putting the club at their limit of overseas imports under Saudi Pro League rules.
The remaining seven players have become key parts of the squad in Neymar’s absence, leaving the Brazilian’s future in doubt.
A termination of his contract would offer Neymar the opportunity to return to Brazil, where he has been linked with rejoining Santos, where he made his breakthrough.
The star has also been tipped to reunite with his former team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami, with the trio having formed a legendary attacking force during their time at Barcelona.
Despite paying PSG a £78million fee to sign Neymar in a landmark move in 2023, plus handing the star a lucrative contract, Al-Hilal have seen little return on their outlay.
Injuries have restricted Neymar to just seven competitive appearances for the club, where he scored one goal and provided three assists.
