Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is set to return for Al Hilal in their Saudi Professional League clash against Al Qadisiyah on Thursday, reigniting his rivalry with Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy for the title of the league’s best goalkeeper.
Bounou missed Al Hilal’s last nine matches eight in the league and one in the Asian Champions League due to his participation with Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, followed by an injury on his return.
On Tuesday, Al Hilal confirmed that he has fully recovered and resumed full training, giving the club a vital boost ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
His comeback comes at a crucial stage for Al Hilal, who are chasing the league title after dropping two points in their last game, drawing 1-1 with Al Riyadh.
The return also sets the stage for a renewed duel with Edouard Mendy of Al Ahli Jeddah. Mendy currently leads the league with the fewest goals conceded, allowing just six, while Bounou has let in nine.
In the clean sheet rankings, Mendy tops the chart with six, ahead of Belgian Koen Casteels (Al Qadisiyah), Slovak Marek Rodak (Al Ettifaq), and Brazilian Maelson, all with five. Bounou has four clean sheets, placing him third.
With Bounou back in the starting lineup, he now has the chance to close the gap on Mendy, reclaim his form, and stake his claim as the Saudi Pro League’s top goalkeeper this season.
