Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have confirmed that Moroccan international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou will spend time on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a thigh muscle contusion following his return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In an official medical update released on January 23, 2026, the club revealed that Bounou underwent medical examinations at Al-Hilal’s Mina medical clinic, where doctors identified a contusion to his anterior thigh, specifically the quadriceps muscle.
The goalkeeper has since started a tailored treatment and rehabilitation programme under the close supervision of the club’s medical team.
Bounou reported discomfort shortly after rejoining Al-Hilal’s training sessions, having played a central role in Morocco’s AFCON campaign. The experienced shot-stopper helped the Atlas Lions reach the final and was named the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper, underlining his importance both for club and country.
At this stage, Al-Hilal have not provided a clear timeline for Bounou’s return to action. Further medical evaluations, including possible imaging scans, are expected to determine the full extent of the injury and establish a projected recovery period.
The club also disclosed that defender Kalidou Koulibaly is currently undergoing treatment for a separate muscle problem, though no specific return dates have been set for either player.
Bounou’s absence comes as a setback for Al-Hilal as they continue to compete on multiple fronts, with the Moroccan goalkeeper having been a key figure for the club since his arrival, particularly in both domestic and continental competitions.
