Al Hilal’s Gabriel Martinelli ruled out of Shabab Al Ahli AFC Champions League Elite clash

Al Hilal will be without Gabriel Martinelli for Tuesday’s AFC Champions League Elite meeting with Shabab Al Ahli at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh after the Brazil winger failed to regain full fitness.

Martinelli is continuing his rehabilitation inside the club’s medical clinic as he recovers from a hamstring injury, according to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah. The report said the 25-year-old is progressing well under the treatment and rehabilitation programme set out for him, but he will not be ready to feature against the Emirati side.

The timing of Martinelli’s return to full team training is expected to become clearer during the current week. His involvement will depend on how he responds to the rehabilitation programme, with a decision on when he can resume playing to follow.

The winger sustained the muscle injury during Al Hilal’s Roshn Saudi League match against Al Qadsiah on 23 October. Following the incident, Al Hilal’s official account on X said Martinelli would require between 10 and 15 days of treatment and rehabilitation.

However, his absence from Tuesday’s fixture means he will miss a third consecutive match since suffering the injury. He was also unavailable for Al Hilal’s AFC Champions League Elite game against Qatar’s Al Shamal and their Roshn Saudi League match against Al Fateh.

Martinelli will therefore join Al Hilal’s list of absentees for the home fixture against Shabab Al Ahli on 03 November 2026. The club are still waiting for further information on his recovery before setting a date for his return to competitive action.

Al Hilal are scheduled to face Al Ettifaq in the Roshn Saudi League on 07 November 2026, but Martinelli’s availability for that match has not yet been determined. His potential return to group training during the week will provide the first indication of whether he can be considered for selection.