Al-Hilal's head coach has made a damning assessment of Neymar amid rumours of Mohamed Salah's potential arrival.
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Since arriving in Riyadh, the Brazilian attacker has struggled with fitness, managing to take to the field only seven times since joining the club before the 2023/24 campaign. He initially suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury upon his arrival, taking just over a year to recover from the setback.
Upon his return earlier this season, he then suffered a hamstring injury against Pitso Mosimane's Esteghlal FC and has yet to return to action.
It does not seem as though the 32-year-old will be playing for the Blue Wave anytime soon, however, with Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus claiming that the Saudi champions will not register him for the rest of the league campaign.
"Neymar will not be registered in the team for the championship," the Portuguese tactician said after his side's 9-0 win over Al-Fateh, as per Goal.
"He can participate in the Asian Champions League. The Saudi League is one of the best leagues in the world. All Al-Hilal players can play for any club in Europe.
"Neymar can no longer play at the level we are used to. Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately.
"He is still under contract with Al-Hilal, and it may be up to him to decide his future. It depends on the administration.
"I don't know anything about Neymar's future. We have a place available on the list, reserved for a player born in 2003 or later."
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These comments come amid speculation that the club are keen on recruiting Salah from Liverpool. It has been alleged that the Gulf club are prepared to offer the Egyptian £65 million (R1.4 billion) annually as they look to sign a new superstar attacker.