Yassine Bounou injury adds to Al Hilal concerns before Al Taawoun clash

Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has missed team training because of a hamstring injury, leaving his availability in doubt for Saturday’s Roshn Saudi League meeting with Al Taawoun.

The Morocco international was absent from Al Hilal’s collective session on Wednesday, 72 hours before the league leaders travel to face Al Taawoun at the latter’s stadium in Buraidah.

Al Hilal confirmed through its official account on X that Bounou had attended the medical clinic at Al Majdiah Sports Centre after suffering an injury to his posterior thigh muscle. The club did not provide a specific timeframe for his return.

The goalkeeper had already been carrying an injury concern before Al Hilal’s previous match against Neom on Monday at Kingdom Arena. Mohammed Al Owais replaced him for that sixth-round fixture, but Al Hilal were beaten 2-0.

That result ended with the team suffering a setback before Saturday’s trip, while Bounou’s latest absence has created further uncertainty around the position. Al Owais could again be required to start if Bounou is not cleared to play.

Physical therapist Thamer Al Shahrani said the injury was minor and should not cause concern. Bounou is expected to undergo treatment at the club’s clinic, but his status for the match against Al Taawoun remains unclear.

Al Hilal’s next fixture is scheduled for Saturday, when they will visit Al Taawoun in the seventh round of the Roshn Saudi League. The team currently sits at the top of the table with 15 points from six matches, having recorded five wins and one defeat.

They lead second-placed Al Qadsiah on goal difference. Al Hilal’s position at the summit means Bounou’s fitness is being monitored closely as the club attempts to respond to the defeat by Neom and maintain its advantage at the top of the division.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper has been an important member of the Al Hilal squad, but the club will now have to assess whether his thigh problem has improved sufficiently for him to return. With Saturday’s match arriving only three days after the announcement of his absence from training, the decision is likely to depend on his response to treatment.

For now, Al Hilal have confirmed only that Bounou was receiving medical attention, while the club’s preparations continue without him.