Big Boost to Neymar’s Al Hilal as FIFA The Best GK Nominee Returns Ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo Faceoff at Riyadh Season Cup: Reports

Despite injured Neymar‘s absence, Al Hilal’s frontline continues to thrive. In a testimony to that, Al Hilal out-muscled Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami with four goals in the recent Riyadh Season Cup outing. However, Al Hilal’s goalpost looked rather vulnerable against the Herons, as they conceded three goals themselves. This was alarming for Jorge Jesus’ side, which has achieved 12 clean sheets in the current season, thanks to ace Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Al Hilal missed Bounou’s services against Inter Miami. Will they miss him against Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr? No, they won’t!

Per recent reports, Yassine Bounou has returned to Riyadh to prepare for the much-awaited Riyadh derby on Thursday. The 32-year-old left Al Hilal camp to guard Morocco’s post in the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament. South Africa ended Morocco’s AFCON run in the RO16 with a 2-0 win. Bounou has immediately left for Riyadh to keep up his clean sheet game.

Yassine Bounou has been having an impressive stint lately. He secured 12 clean sheets in 17 matches, dominating all his Saudi League co-goalkeepers. Thanks to his erstwhile Sevilla stint and Al Hilal heroics, the Moroccan finished third in FIFA ‘The Best’ Men’s Goalkeeper Awards. The veteran GK’s return is a respite, as his team could again challenge and outclass Al Nassr. Besides, CR7’s presence is also in dubiety because of an injury. If Al Hilal defeats Al Nassr, they will win the round-robin and hence secure the Riyadh Season Cup. However, Al Hilal is still on a long wait to get a major relief, as Neymar is nowhere near Riyadh, and is still battling an injury and other demons.

Recovery keeps Neymar from even attending Al Hilal games!

Neymar has been nursing his torn ACL in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He could not make it to the Kingdom Arena stands when his side played against his ex-teammates, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. He will probably not show up for the Riyadh derby as well. Meanwhile, he attended Brazilian icon Romario’s birthday party recently. A picture from that outing went viral. In the said picture, Neymar seems to have gained weight, and fans mocked him for the same reason.

READ MORE: Coach Who Once Labelled Neymar a ‘Monster’ Extends Key Advice to Brazilian Star Amid Injury Woes – “Focus On What You Want”

It is unfortunate to see Neymar in these off-field controversies, while his teammates are chasing the Riyadh Season Cup title. Nevertheless, the soccer veteran now seems to be hellbent on making his comeback at the earliest. Per recent updates, the 31-year-old chose the Qatar-based Orthopaedic facility- Aspetar Center to continue his recovery. Let’s hope the player resumes action at the earliest, like Yassine Bounou, giving Al Hilal the real boost they need.

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