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Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal are expected to get a big boost this week when Brazilian international Neymar is expected to make his return a year after tearing his cruciate ligament.

Neymar will be available for selection in Al-Hilal’s AFC Champions League match against Al Ain of the Emirates on Monday as they look to extend their lead in Group B after winning both of their opening games of the season. Al-Hilal was without Neymar for about a year when he suffered the long-term injury while playing for Brazil. The club announced on Saturday that Neymar will return via a video on social media in which he said: “I know you are worried. Me too. I will be back on October 21.”

Before Neymar returns to the pitch after a year away, this is what you need to know.

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How to watch and odds

Date: Monday October 21 | Time: 12:00 PM ET

Location: Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium – Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Livestream: Paramount+

Odds: Al Ain +500; Sign +400; Al Hilal -225

Neymar makes his return

Neymar last played on October 13, 2023, when he tore his cruciate ligament during Brazil’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in World Cup qualifying, just a few months after joining Al-Hilal in the most high-profile move to the Gulf state in a summer of spending for Saudi Pro League teams.

He has made just five appearances for the club after the longest spell on the sidelines of his career, as he recounts the difficulties of a prolonged setback.

“I felt enormous pain and already knew it was serious,” he told BeIN Sports. “What I like most in life is playing football. I suffer every day that I can’t do it. That’s what hurts the most. …Every time I get injured, I come back. But I don’t come back halfway, and I will not give up.”

It is unclear how big a role Neymar will play in his first game back given the length of his time on the sidelines and the severity of the injury, although he has been training with Al-Hilal since September 29, according to ESPN.