October Break Fallout: Injuries Target Saudi Pro League Stars
15 October 2025
The October international window proved punishing for Saudi Pro League stars, with injuries piling up during the ten days away on national duty. Several high‑profile players were affected, from European qualifiers to domestic giants, leaving clubs to count the cost as the league returns.
From France's camp to Portugal's setup and Africa's qualifiers, five players were sidelined or nicked during the window: a French left‑back, a Portuguese playmaker, a Senegalese goalkeeper, plus two more who faced time on the treatment table. The net effect is a wave of doubt as teams await the next round of fixtures.
Theo Hernandez
Theo Hernandez, the French left‑back of Al‑Hilal, picked up a knock during a France training session ahead of the World Cup 2026 qualifier against Azerbaijan. The French Football Federation’s spokesman said the issue is not serious, describing it as a minor bruise from a training challenge.
He went on to feature in the Azerbaijan match without apparent issue, but later sat on the bench against Iceland as a precaution while the medical team monitored his return.
Joao Felix
Meanwhile Joao Felix, the Portugal star of Al Nassr, missed a training session with his national team due to a muscular issue, instead training in the gym. He was absent from the Ireland qualifier, then underwent medical tests to assess readiness for the Hungary match in the fourth qualifying round.
Although he didn’t start, Felix did feature in the final 30 minutes against Hungary, reassuring Nasser fans that his condition should not derail the Saudi league’s rhythm upon return.
Edouard Mendy
The third blow came for Senegal’s Edouard Mendy, Al Ahli’s goalkeeper, who sustained a knock in the 5–0 win over Sudan in the Africa qualifiers. He finished the match, but was taken to hospital for scans to assess the injury’s extent.
Consequently, Mendy missed the subsequent qualifier against Mauritania, though reports indicated the issue was not serious and he would be available again after the international window closes.
Predrag Raiković
Serbian keeper Predrag Raiković, who stars for Al Ittihad, also felt the bite of the break, missing time due to thigh pain. Serbia’s federation announced his withdrawal from the squad for the Andorra match on X, citing a right‑thigh issue that echoes a surgery four months prior. Saudi press later noted the injury is minor and won’t keep him from club duties after the window ends.
Abdul Rahman Al Aboud
On the Saudi front, Abdul Rahman Al Aboud of Al Ittihad was one of the most notable casualties. The national team announced an injury in training—jaw fracture—that ruled him out of the playoff against Iraq. The suggested 4–6 week layoff would be a tough setback for coach Hermandi (Hervé) Renard’s squad and his club’s title hopes.
As the October window closes, clubs will hope for clean medical bills and prompt returns. While injuries may shake schedules, the Saudi Pro League soldiers on with depth, a dash of humor, and the stubborn belief that football always finds a way to score again.
Punchline time: If injuries were an Olympic sport, these players would be chasing gold while the physios chase them with ice packs. And remember: in football, the only thing longer than a win list is a rehab list — may the stair-climbing be blessedly short, and the coffee be strong.
