Yassine Bounou fit for Al-Hilal after missing Neom defeat

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is available for Al-Hilal’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al-Taawoun after returning to full team training, ending doubts over his participation in Saturday’s seventh-round fixture.

The Moroccan international missed Al-Hilal’s 2-0 defeat by Neom after suffering discomfort during the warm-up, raising concerns that he could also be ruled out of the meeting with Al-Taawoun.

However, Al-Hilal have confirmed that Bounou trained normally with his teammates, providing a major boost to the league leaders as they look to recover from their unexpected defeat.

Bounou misses Neom defeat

Bounou was forced to withdraw from the starting line-up shortly before the Neom game after picking up the injury during the warm-up.

Al-Hilal subsequently turned to Mohammed Al-Owais in goal, but the Saudi side struggled defensively and eventually suffered a 2-0 defeat.

Questions were raised over the second goal in particular, with Al-Owais unable to deal effectively with Neom’s attack.

Bounou’s return therefore comes as welcome news for Al-Hilal, who will be hoping the Morocco international can reclaim his position between the posts against Al-Taawoun.

Al-Hilal seek response against Al-Taawoun

The Saudi giants enter Saturday’s fixture looking to respond immediately after suffering their first league defeat of the campaign against Neom.

Al-Hilal had established themselves among the leading sides in the Roshan League before the setback and will be determined to return to winning ways against Al-Taawoun.

Bounou’s availability could prove particularly important as Simone Inzaghi’s side seek greater defensive stability and a positive result in the seventh round.

For Morocco, the goalkeeper’s return will also be encouraging, given his status as one of the Atlas Lions’ most important players.

With Bounou back in training, Al-Hilal have received the boost they wanted before attempting to put the Neom defeat behind them.