Neymar Set For Possible Champions League Return: Report

Soccer superstar Neymar is nearing a return from his year-long injury absence, and the timeline is falling into place for his comeback to happen on the biggest possible stage.

The Brazilian has been sidelined since he tore his ACL and meniscus during a World Cup Qualifier against Uruguay last October.

Sources told ESPN Brasil on Monday that Neymar has made significant improvement on his knee recovery and could be fit to play within the next week.

He returned to training with his club team, Al Hilal, on Sept. 29. The Saudi Pro League side have a crucial AFC Champions League clash with defending champion Al Ain on Oct. 21. Al Hilal have a rich tradition in the Champions League, taking home the continental trophy a record four times.

According to ESPN's report , Neymar's first match back could be a storybook Champions League return in the match next Monday. First, he must be cleared by Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, who carried out Neymar's surgery. Lasmar is expected to evaluate Neymar in Saudi Arabia in the coming days.

Brazil has suffered during the absence of its all-time leading scorer. The Selecao moved up to fourth place in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying with a win over Chile on Thursday, but the team is still vulnerable. Tuesday's match against Peru is a must-win for Brazil to hold on to a top-six position.

With four losses in nine matches, Brazil remains just one point above Ecuador and Bolivia for the last two guaranteed qualification places for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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