Yassine Bounou will miss Al-Hilal's clash with Neom after sustaining a hamstring injury during the pre-match warm-up on Monday evening. The Moroccan goalkeeper was set to start for the Saudi Pro League leaders in round six of the Roshn competition, but felt discomfort in his hamstring and was withdrawn from the squad moments before kick-off.
Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi made the decision to hand Mohammed Al-Owais the starting role between the posts. Al-Owais has already featured multiple times this season and brings considerable experience with both the club and the Saudi national team. Mohammed Al-Rubaie was named on the bench as cover in Bounou's absence.
Timing Complicates Al-Hilal's Title Push
The injury blow arrives at an awkward moment for the defending champions, who have maintained their strong form in the Saudi Pro League this season. Bounou had been central to Inzaghi's tactical setup, and his unexpected withdrawal forces a reshuffle in goalkeeper responsibilities. The club has not yet disclosed the severity of the injury or provided a timeframe for his potential return to action.
Al-Owais, who holds extensive experience in top-flight Saudi football, steps in to preserve Al-Hilal's momentum against Neom in a fixture designed to keep them atop the standings. The outcome of this match will be crucial as Al-Hilal looks to extend their lead in a fiercely competitive title race. Bounou's recovery timeline will remain under close observation in the coming days.
