Martinelli injury leaves Al Hilal without key attacking option for crucial fixtures

Al Hilal will be without Gabriel Martinelli for at least the next two matches after the Brazilian winger was diagnosed with a posterior thigh injury.

The Saudi club said Martinelli will require between 10 and 15 days of treatment and rehabilitation, dealing a significant blow to manager Simone Inzaghi as Al Hilal continues its campaign in the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League Elite.

Martinelli sustained the injury during Al Hilal’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al Qadsiah in round 11. He was forced off in the second half and subsequently missed the AFC Champions League Elite league-stage match against Qatari side Al Shamal.

Al Hilal lost that fixture 3-1, and the club will now have to manage a demanding run of matches without one of its attacking options.

The 31 October 2026 fixture listing shows Al Hilal are due to face Al Fateh on Saturday in round 12 of the Saudi Pro League. Martinelli will not be available for that match, while his recovery timeline also rules him out of the meeting with Shabab Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday in round four of the AFC Champions League Elite league stage.

There is also uncertainty over whether Martinelli will be fit to play against Al Ettifaq on 7 November in round 13 of the Saudi Pro League.

His return will depend on how well he responds to treatment and how quickly he regains his physical readiness. Al Hilal are not expected to risk selecting him before he has fully recovered from the injury.

The coaching staff hope the winger can return as soon as possible, with the team facing a crowded schedule across domestic and continental competition.

Inzaghi must now identify suitable replacements for Martinelli and find a way to maintain Al Hilal’s attacking effectiveness during his absence. The length of the Brazilian’s lay-off means his progress will be monitored closely before a decision is made on his return to competitive action.