Cancelo’s Comeback Countdown: Al Hilal’s Star Returns After Long Injury Layoff
9 October 2025
Update on Cancelo’s Rehab
Portuguese star Joao Cancelo of Al Hilal is continuing his rehabilitation to recover from the muscle injury he recently sustained.
Saudi outlet Al-Riyadhiya reported that Cancelo entered the final phase of his rehab, aiming to eliminate lingering muscle pain he suffered against Al Duhail on September 19 in the AFC Champions League Elite, a match won 2-1 by the leaders.
At 30, Cancelo has begun touching the ball again as the final step before resuming group training with teammates after 24 days away.
According to the paper, his return would come against Al Sadd Qatar on October 21, in the third round of the AFC Champions League Elite, pending his physical and technical tests.
Haal’s club announced on September 21 that Cancelo would undergo a treatment and rehabilitation program for up to eight weeks, forcing the club to substitute Brazilian Marcos Leonardo in the domestic squad.
Upcoming Matches and Impact
He has missed matches in the King Salman Cup and in the Roshen Saudi League as well as in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage. If medical clearance is not granted, his absence could extend to the Al Sadd game on October 21, the Clasico against Al Ittihad on October 24, and the capital derby versus Al Shabab on October 30.
Earlier reports suggested a return before the AFC Champions League Elite group match against Al Shorta Iraqi on November 25, which would also affect his participation against Al Gharafa and domestic fixtures in November.
The coach, Italian tactician Simone Inzaghi, is lining up a run of crucial matches for Al Hilal in October after the international break, starting with a clash against Al Ettifaq in Dammam on October 18, followed by a big showdown with Al Ittihad in Jeddah on October 24 and a high-stakes meeting with Al Shabab on October 30.
Al Hilal currently sit in sixth place in the Saudi Pro League with eight points (two wins and two draws), four points behind leaders Al Nassr, setting the stage for a tense October.
The squad’s continental hopes also hinge on Cancelo’s readiness, as the team tops Group a in the AFC Champions League Elite with six points from wins over Al Duhail and Nasaf.
There is also a domestic cup tie against Al Ahli in the King Cup, slated for late October in Najran, which could benefit from Cancelo’s return to fitness.
Roster Renewal and Contract Talks
Saudi outlet Al Yaom reported on the stance of four foreign players at the club—goalkeeper Yassine Bono, defender Kalidou Koulibaly, midfielder Ruben Neves, and teammate Serge Milinkovic-Savic—on extension talks. The renewal decisions for Bono and Koulibaly will hinge on ongoing agreements, while Neves and Milinkovic-Savic depend on recruitment plans and budget allocations.
Historically, Bono has featured 99 times for Al Hilal, conceding 94 goals while keeping 38 clean sheets; Koulibaly has appeared 100 times with five goals and three assists. Milinkovic-Savic has 102 appearances with 30 goals and 26 assists, contributing to multiple domestic and international titles. Neves, who joined in 2023, has 97 appearances with 10 goals and 24 assists.
As the club evaluates long-term contracts, the focus remains on maintaining core pieces while balancing the budget, a familiar game in top-tier football these days.
Punchline 1: If Cancelo returns as fast as his crosses, the league will need a bigger trophy cabinet.
Punchline 2: This comeback is so clean, even the goalposts are scheduling spa days.
