Theo Hernandez injured before Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ettifaq match in the Roshan League
In news that worried Al-Hilal fans just hours before the resumption of domestic competitions, the club officially announced that their French left-back, Theo Hernandez, suffered a sudden injury that may sideline him for the upcoming match against Al-Ettifaq. The match is scheduled for tomorrow (Friday) as part of the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League, a crucial stage in this season's fiercely contested title race.
Details of Hernandez's injury and the medical staff's stance
Al-Hilal's media center revealed via its official social media account that the French player was at the club's medical clinic and did not participate in the recent group training sessions after experiencing pain in his ankle. The player is currently undergoing an intensive treatment program and continuous evaluation by the medical staff to determine the exact duration of his absence. This presents the coaching staff with a tactical challenge in compensating for the absence of one of the team's most important defensive and offensive players in this crucial match.
A morale boost with the return of Mutaib Al-Harbi
On the other hand, Al-Hilal's training session brought good news for fans and coaching staff, as the official statement indicated the return of player Mutaib Al-Harbi to group training . Al-Harbi successfully completed his rehabilitation program, making him available for selection in upcoming matches. This strengthens the team's defensive options and compensates for any potential shortage in the back line, especially given the congested fixture schedule and the tight competition.
The battle for the top spot and the heated competition in the Roshan League
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ettifaq match carries immense importance that transcends the mere three points at stake. Al-Hilal enters the game sitting atop the Saudi Pro League standings with 50 points. However, this lead is precarious, as they are separated from their closest rival and traditional adversary, Al-Nassr (currently in second place), by a mere single point. This narrow margin places Al-Hilal players under immense pressure to secure a victory, and nothing less, to guarantee their continued dominance at the top and, at the very least, to widen or maintain their current lead.
Al-Ittifaq's ambitions and attempt to catch up with the golden square
In contrast, Al-Hilal's opponent, Al-Ettifaq, does not appear to be an easy target. Al-Ettifaq currently sits in sixth place in the league standings with 35 points. The "Nawakhda" (Al-Ettifaq's nickname) is aiming for a positive result against the league leaders to close the gap with the top clubs, as they are currently 12 points adrift of the top four, which would secure qualification for continental competitions. This match presents a golden opportunity for Al-Ettifaq to prove their ability to compete with the elite and get their league campaign back on track, promising a high-caliber tactical and fan-driven encounter.
