Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al-Hilal have confirmed that Moroccan international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is sidelined with a thigh muscle contusion following his return from the AFCON 2025 tournament.
In an official medical statement released on January 23, 2026, the club revealed that Bounou underwent examinations at Al-Hilal’s Mina medical clinic, where the injury to his anterior thigh (quadriceps) was diagnosed.
The Morocco goalkeeper has since started a targeted treatment and rehabilitation program under the supervision of the club’s medical team.
Bounou, who was instrumental in Morocco’s run to the AFCON final and was named the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper, reported discomfort shortly after rejoining Al-Hilal’s training sessions.
Al-Hilal did not provide a timeline for his return, stating that the goalkeeper will undergo further assessments, including possible imaging scans, to determine the severity of the injury and establish a projected comeback date.
The club also confirmed that defender Kalidou Koulibaly is being treated for a separate muscle issue, although no recovery timelines have been announced for either player.
The injury is a significant setback for Al-Hilal as they pursue success in the Saudi Pro League and continental competitions, where Bounou has been a crucial presence since joining the club.
