Two Injuries, One Blow: Al Ahli Jeddah Lose Midfielder Ahead of Damac Clash
1 April 2026
Injury setback ahead of Damac clash
Al Ahli Jeddah will be without a key midfielder for the Saudi Pro League meeting with Damac, after sustaining an injury during recent duties with the France U21s.
The club’s medical updates point to a leg joint issue for Valentin Atangana: a strong bruise and a torn ligament could keep him out for the foreseeable future.
Match details and standings
The fixture is set for Saturday at the Enmaa Stadium in Jeddah, as Al Ahli chase a tighter grip on a top-three finish.
Atangana, 20, has been one of the season’s standout performers, appearing in 29 matches and scoring 5 goals so far.
Al Ahli currently sit third in the Saudi Pro League with 62 points, five behind the leaders Al Nassr and two behind second-placed Al Hilal.
Recovery and outlook
The midfielder will undergo an intensive treatment and rehabilitation program, with his return guided by his response to therapy.
Ahmed Mansi, reporting on the matter, notes that the team will reassess his status in the coming days.
Final note: if injuries counted as goals, Atangana would already be leading the league. Punchline 1: If injuries counted as goals, Atangana would have a hat-trick this season. Punchline 2: The medical staff are hoping for a speedy recovery—before WhatsApp chains start blaming the defender for everything.
