Al Ahli could be without left-back Zakaria Hawsawi for their eagerly anticipated Roshn Saudi League meeting with rivals Al Nassr after the defender was injured on international duty with the Saudi Arabia national team.
The two sides are due to meet at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on 15 October, in the ninth round of the competition. However, Hawsawi’s involvement is now in doubt after he was forced off during Saudi Arabia’s 2-0 victory over Iraq on Tuesday.
The match was played at the same venue and was the third round of the group stage at Gulf Cup 27.
According to the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Hawsawi suffered a minor tear, closer to a bruise, in the posterior cruciate ligament. The injury is expected to require two weeks of recovery, putting his availability for the Al Nassr match at risk.
Al Ahli’s medical team will begin a rehabilitation programme with the defender when he returns to the club. He is then due to undergo a further examination after 10 days, when the club will assess whether he can take part in the fixture.
The match has considerable importance for Al Ahli, who are looking to revive their challenge for the Roshn Saudi League title after a series of disappointing results. A victory against Al Nassr would provide an opportunity to close the gap on the teams above them.
Al Ahli, also known as Al-Raqi, are sixth in the league table with 12 points. Their total has come from four wins and three defeats.
Al Nassr are third, four points ahead of their opponents before the Jeddah derby.
