Crisis at Al-Hilal: Benzema and 5 Key Stars Out! How This Impacts the Saudi Giants' Continental Ambitions

 

Gemini said

Published: February 26, 2026

By: MLS NEWS ONLINE Editorial Team

The Saudi Pro League has been rocked by a massive injury wave hitting its current leaders, Al-Hilal. In a shocking medical update released late Wednesday, the club confirmed that legendary French striker Karim Benzema will be sidelined for 10 to 15 days due to a muscular injury (Adductor muscle).

However, the "Government's" absence is only the tip of the iceberg for manager Simone Inzaghi.

A Squad Under Siege

Al-Hilal’s medical clinic is currently overcrowded at the most critical juncture of the season. Beyond Benzema, the club confirmed injuries to five other key players:

• Nasser Al-Dawsari: Out for 3-4 weeks (Toe injury).

• Hassan Tambakti: Missing the upcoming clash against Al-Shabab (Hamstring).

• Youssef Akchichick: Undergoing rehab for lower abdominal pain.

• Mohammed Meite: Dealing with recurring muscular fatigue.

• Mohammed Al-Rubaie: Sidelined with a hand injury.

Impact on the AFC Champions League Elite

This injury crisis comes at a nightmare time. Al-Hilal is preparing for a high-stakes encounter against Qatar's Al-Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16. Without Benzema’s continental experience and Al-Dawsari’s versatility, Inzaghi faces a tactical mountain to climb.

The MLS Connection: Is the "Last Dance" Nearing?

For fans in the United States and the MLS, these recurring injuries for the 38-year-old Ballon d'Or winner raise significant questions. Sources close to the player suggest that the physical intensity of the Saudi league might accelerate talks for a move to North America. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, a transition to a more "strategic" role in the MLS—potentially joining former rivals like Lionel Messi—is becoming a hot topic in football circles.

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Detailed Injury Analysis: For a full breakdown of the recovery timelines and the tactical substitutes Al-Hilal will use in the upcoming Derby, visit our Middle East partner: Koorah Goal Net | كورة جول نت.

بعد الواقعة الأخيرة.. "بيغ سام" يشبه محمد صلاح بالطفل

بعد الواقعة الأخيرة.. "بيغ سام" يشبه محمد صلاح بالطفل:

انتقد المدرب الإنجليزي السابق سام ألاردايس تصرف محمد صلاح بعد استبداله خلال مباراة ليفربول أمام نوتنغهام فورست في الدوري الإنجليزي.

Today’s Papers – Fantastic Atalanta, Juventus’ heroes

Today’s Papers – Fantastic Atalanta, Juventus’ heroes:

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Dea of Italy, Juve deserve applause

Champions: impressive Atalanta, Spalletti down to ten men, comes close to the miracle

Borussia crushed: 4-1, Samardzic gifts the qualification to the Round of 16. Now Bayern or Arsenal. Draw tomorrow.

Chasing two trophies, Inter believe

Scudetto plus Coppa Italia. The double could be worth a treasure

Bologna, assalut to the Norwegians

Conference, Viola with Jagiellonia (18:45). Resume from 3-0.

Corriere dello Sport

Juve out, fantastic Dea

Champions, Galatasaray shocks the Stadium (3-2). Osimhen scores and doesn’t celebrate

How do you dare!

Victor takes the Round of 16 off Spalletti

Disastrous referee: Lucio was reduced to 10 men, but won 3-0 in the 90th minute. Then his ex-Napoli hitman eliminates him. Atalanta beat Borussia 4-1: now Bayern or Arsenal.

Inter, 60m burned

Oaktree does the math after the flop against Bodo

Dominating in the league, but they swerved in Europe: Chivu lost five games from ten, so the fund can determine a new cycle. It’s time for a great confrontation and investments

Another Norwegian: Bologna try

Piccoli, Viola start to enjoy it

Napoli, Conte finds Anguissa again

Roma push for Senesi’s yes

Tuttosport

Fantastic Dea

Scamacca, Zappacosta, Pasalic and Samardzic (penalty kick in the 98th minute after Adeyemi’s goal) put their names on a memorable feat. Percassi’s pride: ‘I’m moved, Palladino is a predestined.’ Arsenal or Bayern in the Round of 16: Draw tomorrow.

Thanks heroes

Juventus, down to ten men, came back against Galatasaray and surrendered only in extra time.

The absurd Kelly red card at the start of the second half doesn’t affect the Bianconeri who, one goal up thanks to Locatelli’s penalty, hit with Gatti and McKennie. Splendid game with heart, pride and attacking production, but Zhegrova incredibly fails the goal of 4-0. Osimhen, on the other hand, was ruthless and Yilmaz kills it off. The former Napoli striker scores, doesn’t celebrate, then waves to the Stadium crowd: a signal for the future?

Inter issues, a top player to leave, Barella is a case

The failed qualification for the Round of 16 will lead to a big sale: Dumfries, Bisseck and Thuram are suspected. The midfielder’s decline scares Gattuso, too.

Stadium, the mayor pushes Cairo

Bologna start from 1-0, but beware of the Norwegians…

Fiorentina, Round of 16 booked and rotations for survival

REWIND: When Al Hilal met Al Shabab 🔵🆚⚪️

REWIND: When Al Hilal met Al Shabab 🔵🆚⚪️:

Watch Al Shabab v Al Hilal LIVE and FREE in select territories

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Courting controversy and befriending Trump - Fifa's 'unlikely saviour'

Courting controversy and befriending Trump - Fifa's 'unlikely saviour':

Gianni Infantino has clashed with unions and European football, but after 10 years as Fifa president he remains in an impregnable position.

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مورينيو يستسلم لريال مدريد !

مورينيو يستسلم لريال مدريد !:

هاي كورة – رأي خاص بالصحفي ميغيل بويت كان أداء مورينيو مخزياً . بدا بنفيكا غير راغب في المنافسة خلال الشوط الثاني ، مما سمح لريال مدريد باللعب كما يشاء . كان دفاعهم ضعيفاً للغاية ، أخرج مورينيو أفضل لاعبيه وأبقى سوداكوف ولوكيباكيو على مقاعد البدلاء ، بل وأشرك مهاجماً على الجناح . لقد أضاع […]