Malcolm’s Injury Pause: Can Al Hilal Survive the Break and Come Back Stronger?
30 septembre 2025
Intense rehab plan unfolds
According to the Saudi daily Al-Riyadiya, the club's Spanish physician Juan Jimenez has drafted a tailored rehabilitation plan for the Brazilian during the upcoming international break after the team returns from Uzbekistan, where they beat Nasaf 3-2 in the AFC Champions League Elite stage.
The plan features intensive therapy and a bespoke recovery phase during the break after renewed foot joint pains surfaced in the final training before Nasaf.
Team break and international absences
The goal is to have Malcolm fully ready for the Oct 18 league clash with Al Ettifaq in Dammam, as coach Simone Inzaghi wants all attacking tools available before a packed calendar.
Inzaghi ordered a six-day break, with training resuming Monday, while seven international players joined the Saudi camp to prepare for Indonesia and Iraq on Oct 8 and 14.
During the break, the staff will rely on youth players to maintain training, while medical staff monitor Malcolm's status daily.
Classic turning point and road ahead
The injury traces back to the derby with Al Ahli in Round 3, where Malcolm shone with a brace and an assist in a 3-3 draw, but limped off in minute 61.
He still earned Man of the Match for that performance, underscoring the quality he brings to the blue club.
Since arriving at the club, Malcolm has appeared in 102 matches, scoring 40 goals and delivering 33 assists, becoming a cornerstone of the attack.
Against Al Ahli, he scored twice in the 24th and 41st minutes and set up the go-ahead goal for Theo Hernandez at 12, earning a 9.4 rating on SofaScore, the highest in the match.
Malcolm spoke after the draw, expressing disappointment at not finishing the game, citing weather and the pace of play, but vowed to keep fighting as the season unfolds.
Hilal sit top of the Elite Asia group with two consecutive wins over Al-Duhail and Nasaf, collecting six points; the staff see this performance as a boost despite injuries and absences.
The club’s management prioritizes Malcolm’s return for the Oct 18 league clash, hoping his return will strengthen both the attack and team morale ahead of a busy schedule.
Fans eagerly await his comeback, as he has become a key figure since joining and influences not only goals but also build-up and big-match presence.
Looking ahead, Hilal will face Oct 18 vs Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, Oct 21 vs Al Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite, and a fiery Clasico with Al Ittihad in the league, as they aim to maximize Malcolm’s impact as soon as he is cleared.
Punchline one: If his ankle starts a podcast, it’ll be called The Snappy Comeback. Punchline two: Either way, the blue train will roll again soon.
