Al-Hilal Face Shabab Al-Ahli Without Injured Winger Gabriel Martinelli
Al-Hilal have suffered another setback ahead of their eagerly anticipated AFC Champions League Elite meeting with Shabab Al-Ahli, with Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli ruled out of Tuesday’s fourth-round fixture. The attacker is still recovering from a hamstring injury and has not yet reached the fitness level required to return to competitive action.
The match is scheduled to take place at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, where Al-Hilal will look to strengthen their position in the continental competition. Martinelli’s continued absence removes an important attacking option, although the club has not announced a confirmed date for his return.
Martinelli Continues His Rehabilitation
According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, Martinelli remains in the club’s medical facilities, following a rehabilitation programme designed to help him recover safely from the muscle injury. His progress is reportedly in line with the treatment plan, but he has yet to resume full group training.
The next important step is expected to become clearer during the week, as medical staff assess how his body responds to the programme. A return to team training would provide a better indication of when he might be available for selection, but it would not necessarily mean an immediate return to match action. Al-Hilal are likely to take a cautious approach, particularly with a hamstring problem, where rushing back can increase the risk of a setback.
The club’s official account on X previously said Martinelli would require between 10 and 15 days of treatment and rehabilitation. That estimate offered an initial recovery window, rather than a guaranteed comeback date. His availability will depend on his progress and the medical team’s assessment of his readiness to handle the demands of training and competitive football.
How the Injury Happened
Martinelli sustained the injury during Al-Hilal’s Saudi Roshn League match against Al-Qadsiah on 23 October. The winger has since missed two fixtures: Al-Hilal’s AFC Champions League Elite meeting with Qatar’s Al-Shamal and a league match against Al-Fateh. Tuesday’s clash with Shabab Al-Ahli will be his third absence since being injured.
His recovery timeline now remains uncertain. While the reported rehabilitation progress is encouraging, Al-Hilal have not confirmed when he will be able to return to the squad. For supporters, the key sign to watch will be his eventual reintroduction to group training, followed by any update from the club on his match fitness.
What Martinelli’s Absence Could Mean for Al-Hilal
Martinelli’s absence leaves Al-Hilal without one of their options on the wing for a fixture that carries significance in the AFC Champions League Elite campaign. Wide attackers can influence a match through pace, direct running and the ability to stretch a defence, so replacing those qualities may require adjustments to the team’s attacking approach.
Al-Hilal’s other forwards will need to provide width and movement, while the midfield may be asked to support attacks more frequently. The team’s ability to create chances could depend on how effectively it moves the ball into wide areas and how quickly it can exploit space behind Shabab Al-Ahli’s defensive line. Set pieces and combination play around the penalty area may also become especially important if the match is closely contested.
However, Martinelli’s absence does not decide the outcome. Al-Hilal have a deep squad and will still have opportunities to build pressure through their available attackers. The challenge for the coaching staff is to maintain balance: committing players forward can create scoring chances, but it can also leave space for Shabab Al-Ahli to counter.
Shabab Al-Ahli Test Adds to the Stakes
Shabab Al-Ahli represent a demanding opponent, making the timing of Martinelli’s injury particularly frustrating for the Saudi side. Matches between leading clubs in the region often turn on small details, including defensive organisation, transitions and the quality of decisions in the final third. Al-Hilal will need to manage those moments carefully while adapting to the absence of a regular attacking option.
For Shabab Al-Ahli, Martinelli’s absence may influence the opposition’s shape, but it does not remove the need to prepare for Al-Hilal’s other threats. The UAE side will still have to defend with discipline and avoid allowing the hosts to dominate possession close to the penalty area. The matchup could therefore become a tactical contest, with both teams looking for ways to control the pace and create openings.
Match Prediction: A Test of Al-Hilal’s Squad Depth
Any football prediction for this fixture should account for Martinelli’s absence without overstating its impact. Al-Hilal lose a useful attacking option, but their overall performance will depend on the players selected to replace him, the team’s ability to create chances collectively and how well it handles Shabab Al-Ahli’s counterattacks.
Al-Hilal may be expected to take the initiative at the Kingdom Arena, especially with home support behind them. Yet a strong start will not guarantee a comfortable evening: Shabab Al-Ahli can make the contest difficult if they stay compact and take advantage of transitions. The most telling factors may be Al-Hilal’s efficiency in front of goal and its ability to protect the space left behind when pushing forward.
For now, the focus remains on Martinelli’s rehabilitation rather than a fixed comeback date. If he responds well to treatment, the coming days could bring greater clarity about his return to group training. Until then, Al-Hilal must prepare for their continental test without him and rely on the depth of their squad to keep their campaign on track.
