Al-Hilal coach confirms Yassine Bounou’s imminent return from injury

Al-Hilal’s coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed that Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is on track for a quick return to action following an injury that sidelined him for two weeks.

Bounou, who was forced off the field during Morocco’s resounding 5-0 victory over the Central African Republic on October 12 in the third round of AFCON 2025 qualifiers, has been making steady progress in his recovery.

Coach Jesus, optimistic about the player’s rehabilitation, shared updates on the Moroccan international’s condition, noting that Bounou’s recovery is progressing well and he should be ready for the upcoming high-stakes derby match.

“We are following him very closely,” Jesus explained. “He is getting better and better and he is close to returning. I think he will be ready for the derby.”

The derby, scheduled for next Friday, will pit Al-Hilal against Al-Nassr, led by forward Sadio Mané, in the ninth round of the Saudi Pro League.

For Morocco, the news of Bounou’s expected return is a welcome development. Bounou, who has made 69 appearances for the national team, missed Morocco’s recent 4-0 win over Bas-Oubangui in the fourth round of AFCONqualifiers on October 15.

His absence was felt as Morocco’s formidable “Atlas Lions” continued their journey through the qualifiers without him.

His anticipated return to full fitness is expected to boost Morocco’s lineup, with coach Walid Regragui likely to include Bounou in the squad for the final two qualifying rounds in November against Gabon and Lesotho.

Morocco’s national team, led by Regragui, has been dominating their qualifying group with a perfect record, amassing 12 points out of a possible 12.

They lead comfortably, sitting five points ahead of Gabon, who are in third place, and 11 points above Lesotho, the last-placed team on the brink of elimination.

Morocco, as hosts of the next Africa Cup of Nations, is already guaranteed a place in the tournament but is keen to maintain their momentum heading into the final qualifiers.

As Bounou’s expected return draws near, his resilience and performance will be crucial for both Al-Hilal and Morocco, providing a solid presence between the posts as both teams eye significant upcoming competitions.