Karim Benzema suffers short-term injury setback for Al Hilal

Karim Benzema is set for a brief spell on the sidelines after suffering an adductor injury in training, with reports suggesting he will be out for around 10–15 days.

The 38-year-old forward already missed Al Hilal’s recent 1–1 draw against Al Taawoun as a result of the knock.

His absence comes at a difficult moment for the Saudi side, who are preparing for key fixtures on multiple fronts. Benzema is expected to sit out both legs of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 against Al Sadd, depriving Al Hilal of their most high-profile attacking star on one of the biggest stages in Asian football.

Since arriving from Al Ittihad in a surprise transfer, the French legend has quickly become a central figure under Simone Inzaghi, scoring three goals and providing one assist in just three appearances.

That early impact has helped push Al Hilal into contention near the top of the Saudi Pro League table, where they currently sit third, three points behind leaders Al Nassr.

His short-term injury layoff is, therefore, a significant blow to the Blue Wave’s momentum at a crucial point in their season.
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