Yacine Brahimi doubtful for Al-Hilal clash after injury

Yacine Brahimi is a major doubt for Al-Gharafa’s Asian Champions League meeting with Al-Hilal after suffering a foot injury in his side’s previous match.

The Algerian international was forced off in the 70th minute after picking up the injury and appeared visibly emotional as he left the pitch.

Brahimi had been unable to continue after feeling the effects of the setback, with his reaction highlighting his frustration at suffering another physical problem.

The Al-Gharafa attacker underwent medical tests after being substituted to determine the seriousness of the injury. At this stage, the indications are that he is almost certain to miss the meeting with Al-Hilal.

His potential absence would represent a significant setback for Al-Gharafa, given the importance of the former FC Porto player to their attacking play.

Brahimi’s injury comes at a difficult time for the player, who had featured in Al-Gharafa’s previous match before being forced out of the contest.

The club will now have to consider its attacking options without one of its key players, should Brahimi be ruled out as expected.

While Brahimi’s fitness remains a concern, Al-Gharafa can call on compatriot Adam Ounas, who is available for the match against Al-Hilal.

Ounas recently made his debut for the club and could use the opportunity to increase his playing time. The match could also provide him with a chance to establish himself more firmly in the team’s formation.

The situation surrounding Brahimi comes only days after the Algerian had spoken about his international future.

The 35-year-old had suggested that returning to the Algerian national team was no longer his main priority. He indicated that he would rather allow the younger generation to have more opportunities.

His comments came as questions continued over his future with the national side, but his immediate concern is now his fitness following the latest injury.

For Al-Gharafa, the timing of the setback is particularly significant because the team faces Al-Hilal in the Asian Champions League.

Brahimi’s experience and attacking contribution have made him an important part of the side, meaning his absence would leave a considerable gap in their attacking options.

Medical assessments have provided some indication of the injury, but the available information suggests Brahimi is unlikely to be involved against Al-Hilal.

Ounas could therefore be handed another opportunity after recently joining the team, with the former Napoli player potentially taking on greater responsibility in Brahimi’s absence.

For now, Al-Gharafa will have to wait on Brahimi’s recovery, but the signs point towards the Algerian missing the important Asian Champions League fixture.