Neymar’s injury return has hit a snag, as the Al Hilal star was subbed off with another injury in Monday’s AFC Champions League clash against Esteghlal.
The Brazilian came on as a sub in the 58th minute, but had to be withdrawn in the 87th minute after he appeared to pick up a muscle injury while extending his right legto reach a pass from Marcos Leonardo.
After coming away from the play gingerly, the 32-year-old quickly signaled to the bench that he needed to be withdrawn. Neymar did leave the pitch under his own power, but was clearly frustrated on the bench as he contemplated a new fitness issue.
Al Hilal would still win the match 3-0, behind a hat trick from Aleksandar Mitrović.
After missing a year with a torn ACL suffered while playing for Brazil, Neymar made his long-awaited return to the pitch on Oct. 21 with a 13-minute cameo in a Champions League match against Al Ain.
Monday was just Neymar’s second appearance since his return, as the Brazilian was not registered for the first half of the Saudi Pro League season.
Al Hilal has two more Saudi Pro League matches scheduled before its next Champions League match, a Nov. 26 game against Al Sadd.
