The reason why Neymar did not play against Al-Nassr in the Saudi classic

Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. was notably absent from the highly anticipated Al Hilal vs Al Nassr classic. Despite making a much-awaited return to the pitch after a year-long injury, the forward was not included in the squad for this crucial match.

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What's behind his absence? The primary reason for Neymar's omission lies in the Saudi Pro League's foreign player quota. Teams are limited to eight non-Saudi players over the age of 21 on their roster. Given the severity of Neymar's injury and the uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline, Al Hilal made the strategic decision to prioritize the registration of other foreign players. This allowed the club to sign Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo in September.

A necessary sacrifice While Neymar's absence was undoubtedly a disappointment for fans, the club's decision was made with the player's long-term well-being and the team's overall balance in mind. By not registering Neymar for the league, Al Hilal was able to bolster their squad with additional talent.

Neymar's future in Saudi Arabia, Neymar is expected to be available for other competitions, such as the King's Cup, where roster restrictions are less stringent. However, his regular participation in the Saudi Pro League will depend on his recovery progress and the club's strategic decisions.