Saleh Abu Al-Shamat has avoided a serious cruciate ligament injury after suffering a scare during Al-Ahli's friendly against Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal. Medical tests confirmed the Saudi midfielder escaped significant damage, providing relief to the club's coaching staff during their pre-season training camp.
The incident occurred during Friday's match, which Al-Ahli lost 3-1 as part of their European preparation for the upcoming season. Abu Al-Shamat collapsed during play, triggering immediate concern given the severity associated with anterior cruciate ligament injuries in professional football. However, MRI scans revealed the diagnosis was far less serious than initially feared.
Medical Assessment and Recovery Plan
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Yaum, doctors determined that Abu Al-Shamat sustained only a bone contusion with no ligament damage. The player will now undergo a structured rehabilitation programme overseen by Al-Ahli's medical team before returning to full training. This timeline allows the midfielder to avoid an extended absence that would otherwise derail his seasonal preparations.
Abu Al-Shamat's injury outcome contrasts sharply with worst-case scenarios that circulated immediately following the incident. The careful precautionary testing proved crucial in establishing an accurate diagnosis and enabling rapid recovery planning. His return to the squad represents a significant boost for Al-Ahli's midfield depth entering the domestic campaign.
Al-Ahli's Pre-Season Progress
The Portuguese friendly marked Al-Ahli's second defeat during their foreign preparatory camp. They previously fell 4-1 to Holstein Kiel in Austria, though salvaged their tour with an 8-0 demolition of Saalfelden and a 2-2 draw against Rio Ave. These results, combined with Abu Al-Shamat's injury recovery, will inform the coaching staff's tactical planning as they prepare for their first competitive fixture.
