Al Hilal will be without their captain, Salem Al-Dawsari, for the remainder of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 due to a hamstring injury. The Saudi Arabian club confirmed the news on Saturday, June 28, 2025, stating that medical tests revealed the extent of the injury. Al-Dawsari is expected to undergo a treatment and rehabilitation program lasting four to six weeks.
This injury means Al-Dawsari will be absent for Al Hilal's crucial Round of 16 match against Manchester City on Monday. Al-Dawsari sustained the injury during Al Hilal's 2-0 victory over Pachuca of Mexico in the third round of the group stage. He scored the opening goal in that match, which helped the team secure a spot in the knockout stage. Al Hilal finished second in Group H, behind Real Madrid.
Al-Dawsari's absence is a significant blow to Al Hilal, as he is a key player and leader for the team. He has been instrumental in their Club World Cup campaign, demonstrating his experience and leadership on the field. His contributions were vital in guiding the team through the competitive group stage. Al-Dawsari's pace, technical ability, and leadership will be missed as Al Hilal faces Manchester City.
Al Hilal will need to adjust their tactical approach to compensate for Al-Dawsari's absence. Despite this setback, the team is determined to make a strong impact on the global stage. Al Hilal, the Roshn Saudi League champions, were drawn into Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 alongside Real Madrid, FC Salzburg, and Pachuca. Al Hilal is one of four clubs from the Asian Football Confederation competing in the tournament. They qualified for the tournament as the 2021 AFC Champions League champions. This marks their second appearance in the competition after featuring in the 2022 edition. In the 2022 edition, they lost to Real Madrid in the final.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 takes place in the United States from June 15 to July 13. The opening match was between Inter Miami and Al Ahly on June 15, and the final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Al Hilal started their campaign against Real Madrid, followed by matches against Salzburg and Pachuca.
