Al-Hilal have confirmed that goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has picked up an injury following his return from international duty, dealing a blow to the Saudi club just days after the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Riyadh-based side announced on Wednesday that the Moroccan international reported discomfort after rejoining the squad and was subsequently diagnosed with an anterior thigh muscle injury sustained during the continental tournament.
The club said the issue was identified after Bounou returned to training with the group.
In a brief medical update, Al-Hilal stated that the goalkeeper will undergo an MRI scan to assess the extent of the injury and determine how long he is likely to be sidelined.
No timetable has yet been provided for his return to competitive action, with the club indicating that further information will be released once the results of the examination are known.
The news comes at the end of an intense period for Bounou, who played a central role for Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 33-year-old was a constant presence throughout the tournament and was later named the competition’s best goalkeeper, recognition that reflected his consistency and decisive interventions during Morocco’s run.
His performances for the Atlas Lions once again underlined his importance at both club and international level.
Since joining Al-Hilal, Bounou has been a key figure in the team’s domestic and continental ambitions, bringing experience and leadership to the back line.
His temporary absence could therefore require adjustments from the coaching staff, depending on the severity of the injury.
Al-Hilal’s medical team will now work closely with the player to establish an appropriate recovery plan once the scan has been completed.
The club has not indicated whether Bounou will miss upcoming fixtures, but the situation will be monitored closely given the demands of the season.
For Bounou, the priority is a full recovery after a demanding AFCON campaign that tested both physical endurance and mental resilience.
While the injury has cast a shadow over his return to club football, his recent accolades and form remain a testament to his standing among Africa’s top goalkeepers.
