World Cup 2026: Al Hilal monitor Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly injury ahead of tournament

Al Hilal have submitted a detailed injury report on defender Kalidou Koulibaly to Senegalese Football Federation as both parties coordinates ahead of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to reports, Al Hilal’s medical department will continue to monitor Koulibaly’s rehabilitation programme during Senegal’s training camp, ensuring his recovery process is carefully managed in cooperation with the national team’s technical staff.

The experienced centre-back sustained a muscle injury during a training session shortly before travelling to Jeddah for the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League, ruling him out of several key fixtures in the Saudi Pro League and domestic cup competitions.

Medical examinations revealed a second-degree muscle tear in the anterior thigh, accompanied by a hematoma, which has kept him sidelined for matches against Damac, Al Hazm, Al Khaleej, Al Nassr, Neom, and Al Fayha. He also missed the King’s Cup final, where Al Hilal defeated Al Kholood 2–1 to secure the trophy.

Despite his absence, Koulibaly remains a key figure for both club and country. He is expected to be central to Senegal’s plans under coach Pape Thiaw, who is currently working with a preliminary squad of 28 players that will later be trimmed to 26 for the World Cup.

The coordination between Al Hilal and the Senegalese national team highlights the importance placed on the defender’s recovery, with both parties aiming to ensure he returns to full fitness ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

For now, his rehabilitation remains under close supervision as he continues his recovery programme while gradually working toward full match readiness.