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January 8, 2025 at 9:13 AM

Al Hilal's Stars Doubtful for Persepolis Match

Al Hilal faces uncertainty with Aleksandar Mitrovic, Malcom, and Salem Al-Dawsari injured ahead of their critical AFC Champions League clash with Persepolis.

Al Hilal's Stars Doubtful for Persepolis Match

Al Hilal is facing a critical challenge ahead of their AFC Champions League showdown with Persepolis, as three of their key players—Aleksandar Mitrovic, Malcom, and Salem Al-Dawsari—are dealing with injuries. The situation arose following their intense King Cup quarter-final clash against Al Ittihad, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat.

Mitrovic, the team’s star striker, is reported to have suffered a hamstring injury during the match. If the injury is minor, his absence might last 1 to 3 weeks, but a more serious tear could sideline him for 4 to 6 weeks. Given Mitrovic’s critical role in Al Hilal's attacking lineup, his availability is a major concern for the coaching staff.

Malcom, who has been a key contributor since joining the team, is also dealing with a hamstring issue. His performance in recent games has been pivotal to Al Hilal's strategy, and his absence would leave a significant gap in their offensive setup. The club’s medical team is currently evaluating the extent of his injury to determine the required recovery period.

Meanwhile, Salem Al-Dawsari, one of the most experienced and versatile players on the team, experienced discomfort in his iliopsoas muscle. Initial assessments suggest that if the issue is related to fatigue, a brief rest period of 3 to 5 days may suffice. However, if the injury is more severe, such as a muscle tear, his absence could extend to two weeks or more.

The uncertainty surrounding the fitness of these three players has left Al Hilal’s coaching staff scrambling to prepare alternative strategies. With the AFC Champions League match against Persepolis approaching, their potential absence could have a significant impact on the team’s performance. Fans are anxiously awaiting updates on the players’ conditions, hoping for swift recoveries.

As the medical team works diligently to assess and treat the injuries, Al Hilal’s chances in this high-stakes continental competition may hinge on whether their star trio can return to the pitch in time. The situation underscores the physical demands of the season and the critical importance of squad depth for clubs competing on multiple fronts.