Neymar plays today? where to watch Al Ain vs Al Hilal in the Asian Champions League

After a long period sidelined due to a severe knee injury, the Brazilian star is ready to represent Al Hilal in the much-anticipated clash against Al Ain, part of the second round of the AFC Champions League. The match, scheduled for October 21, 2024, promises to be a spectacle, with all eyes on the performance of the number 10, who will be available for coach Jorge Jesus.

Neymar Ready for His Comeback
After a year of recovery, Neymar has been cleared to return to the field. His last match was in October 2023, when he suffered an ACL and meniscus injury during a game for the Brazilian national team against Uruguay. Since then, the forward has undergone surgery and an intense rehabilitation process, culminating in his return to Al Hilal training in September this year. At that time, he shared his happiness on social media, expressing optimism about his competitive return.

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Coach Jorge Jesus, who has been leading Al Hilal to success this season, previously expressed caution about Neymar’s return, but has now confirmed that he will be included in the squad for the match against Al Ain. Although there is a possibility Neymar will start on the bench, his presence is already a source of great anticipation among fans and analysts.

Al Hilal: Aiming for Victory and Neymar’s Return
The Saudi team Al Hilal is in excellent form, both domestically and internationally. With an impressive series of victories, the team leads both the Arab Championship and the AFC Champions League. Even without Neymar in recent months, players like Malcom and Aleksandar Mitrovic have kept the team performing at a high level, securing important results.

For this matchup, Al Hilal’s lineup is expected to feature some changes. Although Neymar has been cleared to play, he is likely to start as a substitute, according to information from the club and the medical staff overseeing his recovery. Mitrovic, another key player, is also back in the squad, providing coach Jorge Jesus with more offensive options against Al Ain.

Al Ain’s Challenge and Expectations for the Clash
Al Ain, on the other hand, comes into this match seeking their first win in the group stage of the AFC Champions League. The team, coached by Hernán Crespo, has had a steady campaign in the national league but is still looking to make their mark on the continental competition. One of the team’s main highlights is forward Kodjo Laba, the season’s top scorer with six goals and one of the United Arab Emirates team’s key weapons.

Al Ain knows the match against Al Hilal will be a tough challenge, especially with Neymar’s potential return. However, Crespo’s side has shown that they can surprise strong opponents, and the team hopes to rely on home support to make things difficult for the Saudi giants.

Probable Lineups
Al Hilal is expected to field an offensive formation, likely with three forwards. In addition to Neymar, Mitrovic and Malcom are expected to form the attacking trio, with potential tactical variations throughout the match.

Al Hilal – Probable lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Al-Mayouf
• Defense: Al-Bulaihi (doubt), Koulibaly, Al-Ghannam, Saud Abdulhamid
• Midfield: Rúben Neves, Milinković-Savić, Al-Dawsari
• Attack: Neymar (bench), Mitrovic, Malcom

Al Ain – Probable lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Khalid Eisa
• Defense: Bandar Al Ahbabi, Kouamé, Shiotani, Khalifa Mubarak
• Midfield: Caio Canedo, Ahmed Barman, Yarmolenko
• Attack: Kodjo Laba, Rahimi (doubt)

Details and Where to Watch Live
The match will be held at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain’s home ground, and will kick off at 1:00 PM (Brasilia time). For football fans, this will be a unique opportunity to see Neymar back on the field in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Where to watch: Disney+ and ESPN 4

Impact of Neymar’s Return
Neymar’s return marks a decisive moment not only for Al Hilal but also for world football. The Brazilian star, one of the biggest names in recent football history, brings with him enormous expectations from fans and the Brazilian national team’s coaching staff, who are already looking forward to his presence in the upcoming rounds of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

If Neymar can regain his physical and technical form, his presence will be crucial not only for Al Hilal in international competitions but also for the Brazilian national team, who will face Venezuela and Uruguay in November in the final qualifiers of the year. Additionally, his return could reignite global interest in the Saudi league, which already features several international stars.

Timeline of Events

• October 2023: Neymar suffers a serious knee injury during a match for Brazil against Uruguay.
• September 2024: Neymar returns to training with Al Hilal and shares his joy on social media.
• October 2024: Neymar is cleared by the medical team to return to the pitch.
• October 21, 2024: Neymar is listed for the Al Hilal vs Al Ain match in the AFC Champions League.

Expectations for the Season
With Neymar’s return, Al Hilal enters a new phase, strengthening their quest for major titles. The Saudi team, already leading local competitions, has the ultimate goal of winning the AFC Champions League, securing a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup. Neymar’s presence will also be key to boosting the team’s chances of success in international tournaments.

For Al Ain, the match represents an opportunity to bounce back and showcase their strength against one of Asia’s top football clubs. Hernán Crespo’s team hopes to count on the support of their fans and capitalize on any gaps in Al Hilal’s defense to surprise the Saudi side.