Al-Hilal paid a heavy price for their victory over Al-Taawoun, as three of their players suffered injuries of varying severity during the postponed match from the tenth round of the Saudi Professional League, which was held at King Abdullah Stadium in Buraidah. Although Al-Hilal strengthened their lead in the league, these injuries cast a shadow of concern over the team and its fans, especially with the highly anticipated Riyadh derby against Al-Shabab approaching.
Details of injuries and player status
Right-back Hamad Al-Yami was the first casualty of the match, suffering a serious injury that forced him to leave the field. Initial reports indicate that he will officially miss the upcoming match against Al-Shabab. Defenders Hassan Tambakti and Mutaib Al-Harbi also suffered injuries, forcing them to leave the pitch as well. The pair are scheduled to undergo thorough medical examinations in the coming hours to determine the extent of their injuries and the expected duration of their absence, casting doubt on their participation in the derby.
The context of Al-Hilal's historic season
This worrying news comes at a time when Al-Hilal is enjoying an exceptional season by all accounts under the leadership of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. The team not only leads the Roshan League standings by a comfortable margin over its closest rivals, but it has also achieved a historic winning streak across all competitions, making it the focus of global attention. This impressive momentum and unfavorable run mean that any injury, especially to key players in the back line, is a genuine concern that could affect the team's stability and balance in the final, crucial stages of the season.
Expected impact on the team's performance
Domestically, Al Hilal's upcoming match against Al Shabab holds special significance as the "Riyadh Derby," a fixture always fiercely competitive regardless of the teams' positions in the league table. The absence of three players, including two defenders, will be a true test of Al Hilal's squad depth and the coaching staff's ability to find suitable replacements to maintain the defensive solidity that has characterized the team throughout the season. Continentally, Al Hilal, aiming to compete strongly for the AFC Champions League title, needs all its players fit and ready to face the challenges ahead in the knockout stages. Any prolonged absences could complicate the team's ability to compete on multiple fronts and place additional pressure on the available players. Therefore, Al Hilal fans are anxiously awaiting the results of the medical tests, hoping that the injuries are not serious and that the players will return quickly to support the team's journey towards achieving more titles and historic milestones.
