Neymar could return from injury next week - sources

Brazil forward Neymar has made significant improvement on his knee recovery and could be fit to play on Oct. 21, sources told ESPN Brasil on Monday.

The Al Hilal star has been sidelined for a year since sustaining a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee while on international duty with Brazil.

Neymar, 32, returned to train with Al Hilal on Sept. 29. People closely monitoring Neymar's progress believe the player could return to play in time for Al Hilal's Asian Champions League game at Al Ain on Oct. 21.

Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus will have the final say on when Neymar will return to action.

However, he will first need the approval of Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, who carried out Neymar's surgery.

Lasmar is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia in the coming days to evaluate the player's fitness.

Neymar, who is Brazil's all-time leading scorer, joined the Saudi Pro League side in August 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain but played just five games before getting hurt.

Brazil's Football Confederation is monitoring the situation closely and is hopeful of having Neymar available in time for the November World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Uruguay .