Kalidou Koulibaly faces race to be fit for Al-Hilal cup showdown

Kalidou Koulibaly is a major doubt for Al-Hilal FC’s King’s Cup final after suffering a thigh injury that has required specialist medical assessment in Spain.

The Senegal international sustained a muscle tear accompanied by a hematoma during training, an issue that has already ruled him out of the club’s last two matches across domestic and continental competitions.

His absence has come during a difficult spell for Al-Hilal, including their elimination from the AFC Champions League.

Following the setback, the Saudi club confirmed that Koulibaly has travelled to Spain for detailed medical examinations under the supervision of a specialist. The aim is to establish the full extent of the injury and determine a clear timeline for his recovery.

Early indications from local media suggest a possible return date around April 28, when Al-Hilal are scheduled to face Damac in a league fixture.

That projected timeline makes his involvement in the King’s Cup final, set for Thursday, highly uncertain.

Koulibaly has been a key figure in Al-Hilal’s defensive unit this season, making 26 appearances in all competitions.

During that period, he has contributed two goals and two assists, underlining his influence at both ends of the pitch.

Any absence in the final would represent another setback in what has already been a challenging period for the defender on the international stage. He was also forced to watch from afar as Senegal won the most recent Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.

The club will continue to monitor his recovery closely as they await further medical updates. For now, his participation in one of the season’s most important fixtures remains in serious doubt, leaving Al-Hilal with a significant concern ahead of the final.