Mitrović returns to boost Al Hilal ahead of crucial clashes, Savić sidelined
RIYADH — Al Hilal received a major boost as Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrović returned to full training on Thursday, offering head coach Jorge Jesus a key attacking option ahead of upcoming matches.
However, the club also confirmed that midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić will require a three-week treatment program for his injury.
Mitrović had been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury against Al Ittihad in the King's Cup on Jan. 7.
His absence coincided with a slump in Al Hilal's form, affecting their Saudi Pro League campaign and their AFC Champions League run, where they suffered a setback in the first leg of the Round of 16 against Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor.
His return comes at a crucial time as Al Hilal prepares for the second leg against Pakhtakor next Tuesday.In other team news, Hamad Al-Yami also rejoined group training after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in the recent match against Al Ahli.Meanwhile, defender Hassan Tambakti continued his fitness work with individual drills in the gym and running exercises around the pitch.Al Hilal's squad has now traveled to Al-Qassim for Friday's Saudi Pro League clash against Al Fayha at King Abdullah Sports City in Buraidah.With their title hopes on the line, the Riyadh giants have no room for error and must secure a victory to stay in contention for the league crown.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
21 hours ago
- Arab News
AC Milan's Theo Hernandez joins Saudi side Al-Hilal
Paris: Saudi club Al-Hilal on Thursday signed AC Milan's French full-back Theo Hernandez on a three-year contract. The 27-year-old leaves the Serie A side in a deal worth 25 million euros ($29.2 million), Italian media report. Hernandez has played 38 times for France with two goals, and figured in the last World Cup, including the defeat by Argentina on penalties in the 2022 final in Qatar. Moving to the Saudi Pro League a year before the next World Cup could be considered a risk for his chances of getting called up again by coach Didier Deschamps. But he can take encouragement that Deschamps selected N'Golo Kante for Euro 2024 whilst he was playing for another Saudi club, Al-Ittihad. Theo is the younger brother of Paris Saint-Germain and France defender Lucas Hernandez.
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
Jorge Jesus set to return to Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr: Portuguese media
RIYADH: Portuguese media have reported that Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr have reached an agreement with coach Jorge Jesus to take charge of the club's first team ahead of the 2025-26 season. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport According to A Bola, one of Portugal's leading sports newspapers, Jesus is expected to arrive in Riyadh on Monday to sign a contract and begin pre-season preparations. The deal is reportedly for one year with an option to extend, and is being described as one of the most high-profile managerial moves of the summer considering Jesus' time with Al-Hilal. While Al-Nassr has yet to confirm the appointment, the return of Jesus to the Saudi Pro League, this time with Al-Hilal's fierce rivals, would mark a major development ahead of the new season. Reports also suggest that Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo played a key role in endorsing Jesus for the job, owing to their close relationship and Ronaldo's belief in the coach's ability to lead Al-Nassr back to silverware.
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
Theo Hernández: Al Hilal can compete with Europe's best
Saudi Gazette report PARIS — French international Theo Hernández has expressed his delight at joining Al Hilal, calling it the start of a new chapter in his career and highlighting the remarkable development of Saudi football in recent years. In his first interview since signing from AC Milan, Hernández said: 'Saudi football has developed significantly. There are many quality players here. I believe this is the beginning of a new phase in my career, and I'm very happy to be here.' The left-back, who joined the Saudi giants on a three-year deal, also praised Al Hilal's recent performances at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. 'I watched the Club World Cup games and the team was fantastic. Al Hilal played at a high level, and I believe they've shown they can compete with top European clubs.' Hernández revealed that he spoke with current teammate João Cancelo before making the move, saying: 'I reached out to Cancelo to learn more about the club and the city. He told me the team is strong, full of great players, the atmosphere is positive, and the city is beautiful.'On his goals with Al Hilal, Hernández said: 'I have big ambitions with this team. We have a fantastic group of players, and I came here to win and to help achieve as many titles as possible.'He also thanked Al Hilal fans for the warm welcome he received upon joining. 'I felt a great sense of welcome from the fans. My wife and I received many messages on Instagram, it really made us happy. I'm excited to start this new journey with them.'Closing the interview, Hernández addressed the supporters directly: 'I'm proud to join Al Hilal. Thank you for the incredible reception.'
