Neymar may not be included in the AFC Champions League bid. What is the reason?

Brazilian legend Neymar is on the road to recovery from a serious injury that sidelined him for almost the entirety of last season. However, upon his return, the Al-Hilal forward may only be available for matches in the Saudi Pro League.

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Details: According to Record, Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus is reluctant to include Neymar in the squad for the AFC Champions League group stage. The Brazilian's full recovery could extend until November.

Under the AFC Champions League regulations, a club can register no more than 10 foreign players for the group stage, two of whom must be under the age of 21. Jesus acknowledges that Neymar will not be fit for the tournament’s early matches and is unwilling to sacrifice any of his other foreign stars for the former PSG and Barcelona forward.

Reminder: Neymar joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023 from PSG for €90 million. On October 18, he suffered a severe ACL injury during a World Cup 2026 qualifier against Uruguay. He has managed to play just five matches for Al-Hilal, scoring one goal and providing three assists.