Al-Hilal fans are anxiously awaiting the results of medical tests being conducted on their star defender, Hassan Tambakti, to determine the severity of his recent injury and his final status regarding participation in the upcoming derby match against his former club, Al-Shabab, in the Saudi Professional League.
Timbukti had been experiencing muscle pain that forced Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus to substitute him during one of the team's recent matches, raising doubts about his availability for the crucial upcoming game. The significance of these tests lies in their potential to clarify Jesus's defensive options for one of the season's most important matches, especially given Timbukti's established presence as a key player in the team's back line since joining.
General context and historical background of the event
Timbuktu's potential absence cannot be viewed like any other. The player moved to Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023 from Al-Shabab in a high-profile transfer that is considered one of the most expensive defender transfers in Saudi football history. Timbuktu was Al-Shabab's captain and one of its most prominent stars, making facing his former team a special event with mixed feelings for both the player and the fans. This emotional dimension adds another layer of importance to his participation, or lack thereof, in the Riyadh derby.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
On the domestic front, the absence of Hassan Tambakti, if confirmed, would be a significant blow to Al-Hilal's defense, which is striving to continue its historic winning streak and secure the league title undefeated. Tambakti (25 years old) is a key player alongside Senegalese Kalidou Koulibaly and Ali Al-Bulaihi, and his absence could create a defensive vulnerability that Al-Shabab will be eager to exploit. For Al-Shabab, however, the absence of their former captain could serve as a morale booster for the players as they attempt to achieve a positive result against the league leaders.
Regionally, the Riyadh derby enjoys widespread attention in the Gulf region and the Arab world, especially given the presence of a constellation of international stars in both teams. The absence of a prominent Saudi international like Timbuktu from this major football event will undoubtedly diminish the intensity of the anticipated clash. As the match approaches, all eyes remain fixed on Al-Hilal's media center, awaiting the official statement that will settle the debate regarding the participation of the stalwart defender in this football summit.
