Al Hilal’s Al Ahli triumph comes at a cost as Lajami and Hernandez face lay-offs

Al Hilal have been hit by a double injury setback following their emphatic 3-0 victory over Al Ahli in the postponed third-round fixture of the Roshn Saudi League.

Defenders Ali Lajami and Theo Hernandez both sustained injuries during the match and will miss the coming period, dealing a blow to Simone Inzaghi’s side just as they appeared to be rediscovering their strongest form.

The victory over Al Ahli marked a convincing return to performance levels expected from Al Hilal under the Italian manager. However, the celebrations were tempered after the coaching staff were required to monitor the condition of both players once the match had ended.

Medical scans have confirmed that Lajami will require a three-week treatment and rehabilitation programme. The defender suffered an injury to his hamstring, beginning a period of recovery before he can return to training and competitive action.

Hernandez faces a longer absence. The French full-back has been diagnosed with a groin injury and will follow a four-week treatment and rehabilitation programme, ruling him out of several of Al Hilal’s upcoming commitments.

The loss of Hernandez is particularly significant for Inzaghi. Since joining the team, the left-back has become an influential part of Al Hilal’s system, offering an attacking threat from the flank and helping the side create numerical advantages in forward areas. His ability to switch quickly between defensive and attacking phases has also made him an important component of the team’s approach.

Lajami’s absence will present a separate challenge for the coaching staff, who must now manage their defensive options carefully. Al Hilal are heading into a congested run of fixtures, increasing the importance of having as many players available and match-ready as possible.

The injuries therefore changed the mood around what had otherwise been a highly encouraging night for the club. Al Hilal’s performance against Al Ahli suggested that confidence was returning and that Inzaghi’s players were producing some of their best football under his leadership.

Instead, the result has left the manager with the task of finding suitable solutions until both players complete their rehabilitation programmes and are ready to resume training and matches. The timing makes the setback more difficult, with the club facing a busy schedule and the Frenchman in particular having established himself as a key figure on the left side.

Al Hilal must now balance the momentum gained from their comprehensive victory with the demands created by the injuries to two members of their squad.