Neymar, the Brazilian star and forward for Al Hilal, reassured fans after leaving the field with an injury during Monday’s Asian Champions League match. Although he had to step away from the game, he remained optimistic, explaining that his discomfort was likely just a strong muscle cramp.
The 32-year-old was introduced as a second-half substitute but had to be taken off only 30 minutes later in Al Hilal’s 3-0 victory over Esteghlal. After the match, Neymar shared that his medical team had cautioned him about the risk of muscle fatigue or minor strains due to his recent return from a lengthy injury break. He had been sidelined since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October of the previous year.
On social media, Neymar addressed his fans, describing the pain as a particularly intense cramp. He stated his intention to undergo further medical tests to confirm there are no severe issues. “I’m hoping it’s nothing major,” he posted, adding that it’s common for athletes to experience such setbacks when easing back into full action after extended recovery periods. “The doctors had already warned me about this, so I need to be cautious and gradually increase my playing time.”
Since his high-profile transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Al Hilal for approximately €90 million ($97.9 million) in August, Neymar has managed to play in only seven matches. As he works his way back to peak form, Neymar is hopeful about progressing with caution, balancing his desire to contribute fully to his team while minimizing the risk of further injury.
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