Neymar set for SPL debut - but where does he fit in a dazzling Al Hilal attack?

Nearly a month after he first touched down in Riyadh to be unveiled as Al Hilal's major new signing, Neymar is finally set to make his Saudi Pro League bow on Friday.

The 31-year-old Brazilian was still recovering from a long-term ankle injury upon his arrival in the middle of August from Paris Saint-Germain.

The recent international break afforded the €96 million signing some valuable game time with Neymar starting both Brazil's 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru under new coach Fernando Diniz.

A brace in the 5-1 triumph over Bolivia saw Neymar overtake the legendary Pele to become Brazil's top scorer with 79 goals.

The Brazilian boarded a private jet to Riyadh on Wednesday morning and is expected to take part in training with his Hilal teammates on Thursday evening, fueling the belief that coach Jorge Jesus will include him in his squad for Friday's home game against local rivals Al Riyadh.

Neymar will don the No 10 shirt at Al Hilal previously worn by another Brazil legend Rivellino, who moved to Riyadh in 1978, spending three seasons at the club having been part of the legendary 1970 World Cup-winning squad alongside the likes of Pele, Jairzinho and Tostao.

Despite the delayed debut their marquee signing, Hilal's form has been impressive. They top the SPL after five games with 13 points, having only dropped points in the 1-1 draw against Al Fayha on the evening of Neymar’s official presentation to the home fans. Their upcoming opponents, Al Riyadh, have picked up just four points and languish in 15th place, just above the relegation zone in their first season back in the top division since 2004/05.

As he welcomes Neymar into the fold, coach Jorge Jesus will need to tweak the side to fit in his