Are you 24 or older?

Help us verify your age by providing an honest response. This site contains gambling advertising for 24+.

Age-restricted content

You’re not old enough to view betting content. You’ll be redirected to the homepage.

alt
This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the links provided, we may earn a commission.
Al Hilal v Al Ahli - Saudi Pro LeagueGetty Images Sport
Translated by

3 out of 4: the injury curse tears down Al-Hilal's fortifications ahead of the Al-Ahli Clasico

Injuries ripped Al-Hilal's defence apart in the Clasico against their traditional rivals Al-Ahli in the Roshn League.

Al-Hilal hosted Al-Ahli on Tuesday at the Kingdom Arena in a match postponed from the third round of the Saudi Roshn League.

The problems began early. Saudi defender Ali Lajami limped off in the first half, with Hassan Tambakti replacing him.

Tambakti, oddly enough, had only just returned from a long injury of his own. He was thrust into action because Turkish defender Yusuf Akcicek was also sidelined.

Worse followed at the start of the second half. French full-back Theo Hernandez could not complete the match either, and Mutaib Al-Harbi came on in his place.

Saudi Roshn League match ticketsBuy your ticket now!

Minutes later, Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly took a heavy blow to the head in a violent collision with Al-Ahli's French midfielder Valentin Atangana.

Bleeding heavily, Koulibaly needed a bandage around his head. Italian coach Simone Inzaghi kept him on, unwilling to leave his back line even shorter.

By the end, every one of Al-Hilal's defenders had been injured in the Clasico against Al-Ahli, bar right-back Mohammed Mahzari.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Add as preferred source on Google