• Yusuf Aktasik… surgery in Paris and key absence

At a sensitive point in the 2025–2026 football season, Al-Hilal’s coaching staff, led by Italian Simone Inzaghi, received mixed news: the club officially announced the long-term absence of its young Turkish defender, coinciding with the return of one of its key midfield attacking pillars.

Al-Hilal confirmed that Turkish defender Yusuf Aktasik underwent delicate lower abdominal muscle surgery today, Thursday, in Paris. The procedure followed a series of specialized medical examinations in France, aimed at ending the player’s recent injury struggles.

Injury and Absence Details:

• Type of Surgery: Lower abdominal muscle operation

• Expected Absence: 4 to 6 weeks

• Sporting Impact: Al-Hilal will miss the young defender, who played 17 matches this season and scored once, likely ending his season as competitions near their May conclusion.

Neves and Tembakti… “Power Returns” at the Perfect Time

On the positive side, Al-Hilal’s team training saw the return of Portuguese star Ruben Neves, who has fully recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him out for around two weeks.

The comeback wasn’t limited to Neves; international defender Hassan Tembakti also joined training after missing the last three matches due to injury, giving Inzaghi full defensive and attacking options ahead of crucial upcoming games.

Preparations for the Al-Fateh Clash at “First Funding Arena”

These developments come as Al-Hilal prepares to face Al-Fateh on Saturday, March 14, in the 26th round of the Saudi League.

Currently third with 61 points, Al-Hilal aims to close the gap on leaders Al-Nassr and take full advantage of the returning players’ readiness to secure maximum points in Al-Ahsa.

With these circumstances, Al-Hilal enters a “make-or-break” phase in the league, relying on Inzaghi’s experience and the midfield maestro Neves to cover defensive absences.