It’s just a matter of time before the Riyadh derby kicks off. Excitement is at its peak as the two biggest sides in the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal and Al Nassr, prepare to lock horns at Al-Awwal Park today. This thrilling face-off features some remarkable stars on the pitch, but many are eager to know if Neymar Jr. will be playing tonight against Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates.

The Brazilian superstar who had been AWOL from action over the past 12 months due to injury finally made his much-anticipated return for Al Hilal. The 32-year-old traveled with the team for the AFC Champions League group-stage fixture against Al Ain. He played little for around half an hour after coming off the bench to celebrate the emphatic 4-5 win over the Qatari-based club.  

However, the FC Barcelona icon hasn’t played since then, including the 2-0 win over Al Taawoun on October 26 and the recent 1-4 win over Al Tai in the Kings Cup of Champions. Unfortunately, today will remain a similar case as Neymar Jr won’t be playing tonight against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Hilal. Well, to ease your tensions, it’s not like the Brazilian superstar is injured. Rather it’s a much more different reason.

Notably, after the winger suffered a meniscus tear and ACL rupture in his left knee during a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Uruguay last year, he underwent successful surgery. However, this kept him out for the entire season. Consequently, Al Hilal had to deregister their star player to fill one of the 10 foreign player slots with Renan Lodi.

This decision was made with the understanding that Neymar would not be able to recover in time to play. Additionally, he wasn’t registered for the 2024-25 season. As for the reason why the club didn’t move forward with this decision, it’s because Al Hilal already had eight fully fit foreign players over the age of 21 (including Neymar, who is 32) that did not include the former Barcelona star.

The club likely preferred to utilize the remaining players until Neymar was fit again. With his recovery now complete, he and the club will have to wait until January 2025 to update the registration list, allowing him to compete in the league and the King’s Cup from mid-season. As a result, Neymar will miss tomorrow’s crucial clash against Al Nassr, leaving the Blue Waves to fight their battles on their own.

No Neymar, no problemo for Al Hilal

Jorge Jesus and his team have posed significant challenges for CR7 and his teammates in recent encounters, and this match will be no different. Currently sitting atop the domestic table with 24 points, the Blue Waves rightfully enter the match as favorites, especially after their strong performance in the King Cup of Champions.

Al Hilal convincingly defeated Al Tai 4-1 to secure their next spot in the tournament, which certainly puts pressure on Stefan Pioli to field his strongest lineup. Meanwhile, a win is crucial for Al Nassr, who are currently in third place with 18 points. This match presents the Yellow and Blue Army with an excellent opportunity to not only disrupt Al Hilal’s winning streak but also to enhance their chances of moving up the table.