Depth Crisis on International Break: Al Hilal's Injury Wave Threatens a Busy Season
17 November 2025
International break has hit Al Hilal hard, with a string of injuries dismantling the squad's plans. The blue fortress is rattled as several key players have been sidelined, turning the camp into a source of concern for the team’s setup. With a crowded schedule ahead in the league, the AFC Champions League, and domestic cups, the coaching staff faces a tough task to maintain balance.
Injury Surprises
Three major figures have been sidelined during the break, dealing a heavy blow to the midfield and wing positions. Meteb Al-Harbi is ruled out for around six weeks, a painful setback given his role on the left flank and his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
Hasan Tembakti and Abdullah Al-Hamdan remain unclear; the club awaits final medical results to determine the exact extent of Al-Hamdan's issue.
Challenging Times Ahead
Tempted by a tight schedule later this season, the Italian coach will need to re-evaluate plans and perhaps shift some roles to cover gaps. Al Hilal's calendar includes league games, the AFC Champions League, and the King’s Cup. The absence of key players will limit options and test the depth of the squad.
Inzaghi will have to adapt and find alternatives to maintain the team’s high tempo and ambitions for multiple trophies. The injuries threaten stability and demand careful return-to-play management.
Saudi National Team Commitments
The Saudi national team played a friendly against Ivory Coast, winning 1-0 with a goal from Saleh Abu Shamat. They are preparing to face Algeria in the second warm-up match of the current camp, as part of the Arab Cup preparations in Qatar from December 1-18. The team had already qualified for the 2026 World Cup by beating Indonesia in the Asian playoff (3-2) and drawing with Iraq (0-0).
Threat to Fate
Injuries have become the number one threat to the Saudi national team since the camp began, turning preparation into a period heavy with absences and tactical uncertainty. With the Arab Cup looming and multiple strong opponents, the ability to select a stable, fully-fit XI is at stake. The coach faces a narrowing window and increased pressure as squads race to be ready for kickoff.
Continuing injury woes mean both the national team and Al Hilal may struggle if recovery takes longer than expected. The Italian coach will likely reassess and deploy flexible roles to keep hopes high as the season advances.
Punchlines: If football had a warranty, Al Hilal’s depth would still be under review. And remember, science says rest is productive; football wisdom says “rest” is just a fancy way of saying the bench is getting a spa day.
Punchlines: In the end, the only thing more dramatic than a comeback is a comeback when the physio finally signs off on the tape. Now that’s what you call game plan therapy.
