As Pitso Mosimane searches for his first victory as Esteghlal FC manager, Al Hilal manager Jorge Jesus has alluded to fielding a strong team that could include Brazilian star Neymar.
The South African tactician was appointed as the Iranian outfit's new manager last month, but the start to his tenure in Iran has thus far not panned out as he would have hoped.
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The Capital Blues suffered a 1-0 defeat to Kheybar in the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach's first game in charge, before going to lose by two goals to nil against Tractor SC.
His side are now preparing to take on Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal in an AFC Champions League encounter on Monday night.
Just before Mosimane's appointment, Esteghlal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, and currently find themselves sixth in Group B, after winning just one of their three matches thus far.
The Saudi Arabian outfit will prove to be a challenge, with Jesus confirming that Brazilian star Neymar will be named in the squad to face the Persian Gulf Pro League side.
"I'll make several changes to Al Hilal's lineup against Esteghlal," the coach said, according to Yallakora.
"We're a team that relies on collective play... each match has its unique circumstances.
"I think facing Esteghlal will be different from playing Al Ain, who have exceptional individual players like Sofiane Rahimi.
"If things proceed as planned, Neymar will be part of Al Hilal's squad against Esteghlal."
The Brazilian recently made his highly-anticipated return to the pitch, after being out of action since October last year, coming on from the bench as Hilal beat United Arab Emirates outfit Al Ain by five goals to four.
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The former Paris Saint-Germain star can only compete in the AFC CL as he had not been registered for the Saudi Pro League campaign, which can only be changed in January.
By Junaid Benjamin
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