Shocking ACL scare as Al-Ahli’s international forward limps off in a 3-0 win over Neom

Match context

The cursed injury haunts the Royals' star. It seems one of Al-Ahli's foreign stars suffered a serious injury on the night they beat Neom 3-0, in Saturday's 18th round of the Roshen Pro League.

The match saw several stars shine, led by the attacking trio of Algerian Riyad Mahrez, Englishman Ivan Tony, and Brazilian Winderson Galino.

Despite Al-Ahli's 3-0 victory, Galino spoiled the moment by leaving injured in the 84th minute.

The crisis began when he was involved in a rough challenge from Khalifa Al-Dossari in the 59th minute, after which he fell injured, and Al-Ahli were awarded a penalty with a red card to Neom's defender.

Strangely, Galino left for treatment and then finished the match until the 84th minute, before asking to be withdrawn by his German coach Matthias Jaissle, amid reports that the player could be seriously hurt.

On the matter, Ahmed Atif, former Saudi football star, said in the show "Dourina Ghair": "I think Galino suffered an ACL injury; I have suffered from this injury before."

He added: "The player fell in a shocking way, and the knee's trajectory changed in a way that suggests a torn ACL, but I hope he is okay."

He concluded: "Continuing the match to the 84th minute does not mean his safety; some bodies can play for a few minutes after injury."

Punchline: If ACLs started their own fan clubs, this one would demand better overtime policies. Punchline 2: maybe the knee wants a transfer window—some injuries never truly retire.