Wed Nov 06 05:18:46 UTC 2024: ## Neymar Injured Again in Al-Hilal’s AFC Champions League Victory

**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -** Neymar, the Brazilian star of Al-Hilal, suffered another injury setback in his second game back from a lengthy absence, forcing him to leave the field early during Monday’s AFC Champions League victory over Esteghlal.

The 32-year-old forward, who only recently recovered from a torn ACL, came on as a substitute in the 58th minute of the match. However, he was forced off just three minutes before the final whistle after pulling up with a leg injury.

Despite the setback, Neymar has time to recover before Al-Hilal’s next game. He is not registered to play in the Saudi Pro League, and the team’s next AFC Champions League fixture is scheduled for November 25th.

The win was secured by a hat-trick from Aleksandar Mitrovic, who scored all three goals from close range for the four-time Asian champions. Al-Hilal, who have now won all four of their group stage matches, remain top of the 12-team group.

The top eight teams from the group stage will advance to the Round of 16. Al-Hilal currently sit above their Saudi rivals Al-Ahli on goal difference after Al-Ahli thrashed Al-Shorta of Iraq 5-1. Roberto Firmino, formerly of Liverpool, scored twice for Al-Ahli in the first half of that match.

Elsewhere in the AFC Champions League, Al-Wasl of the UAE drew 1-1 with Al-Sadd of Qatar, and Persepolis of Iran secured a 1-1 draw against Al-Gharafa of Qatar.

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