Al-Hilal defensive crisis after Clasico: Lajami out for 4 matches, Hernandez groin injury

The 3-0 victory over Al-Ahli in the postponed match of round 3 of the Saudi Roshn League at Kingdom Arena brought joy to Al-Hilal fans, but it was a victory paid for with serious injuries in the defensive line. The joy was short-lived, as immediately after the final whistle, the Riyadh-based club faced a daunting personnel problem ahead of a series of important matches. In this match, Al-Hilal controlled the game and scored 3 goals, but the price paid was too high. Saudi defender Ali Lajami had to leave the pitch due to a hamstring injury. This is a common but very dangerous injury for fast players. According to information from the club's official website, Lajami was treated at the medical clinic and will undergo an MRI scan on Thursday to determine the extent of the damage. However, according to prominent Saudi journalist Hamed Al-Qarni, the 27-year-old player will be sidelined for at least 4 matches, including clashes against Al-Shabab, Neom, Al-Taawoun in the domestic league and Al-Gharafa of Qatar in the AFC Champions League Elite. This is a big loss for Al-Hilal, as Lajami is one of the most reliable defenders of the team. Not only Lajami, French left-back Theo Hernandez also suffered a groin injury. The former AC Milan player had to leave the pitch and will undergo a scan on Thursday to determine the severity. Hernandez is an important cog in Simone Inzaghi's tactical setup, with his ability to attack and defend seamlessly. If the injury is serious, Al-Hilal will lose one of the best full-backs in Asia today. Meanwhile, veteran Senegalese centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly suffered a fairly severe head injury during the match but still managed to play until the end. Koulibaly's bravery was acknowledged by the coaching staff and fans, but this was a risky decision. Head injuries always carry potential long-term health risks, and allowing the player to continue playing could have unpredictable consequences. However, with the experience and composure of a world-class centre-back, Koulibaly showed an indefatigable fighting spirit. Additionally, Turkish defender Yusuf Akcicek is also experiencing knee problems. He had to go to the medical clinic along with Lajami and was unable to play in the Clasico. This is another blow to Al-Hilal's defence, as Akcicek is considered one of the most promising young defenders of the team. With the current depleted squad, coach Simone Inzaghi will have to rely on the centre-back duo of Hassan Tambakti and Koulibaly for the upcoming matches. However, the problem is that there is no other quality alternative on the bench. This poses a difficult puzzle for the Italian coach, who is known for building a solid defensive style but is also very flexible in tactics. Immediately ahead, Al-Hilal will face neighbours Al-Shabab in a fiery derby on Friday, in round 5 of the Saudi Roshn League. This is a match that is always tense and fierce, and the absence of many defensive pillars will make it very difficult for Al-Hilal. Al-Shabab is currently in good form and they will take this opportunity to cause trouble for Inzaghi's team. Furthermore, the congested fixture schedule is also a big challenge. After the derby with Al-Shabab, Al-Hilal will have to face Neom and Al-Taawoun in the domestic league, along with an away trip to Qatar to face Al-Gharafa in the AFC Champions League Elite. With many key players missing, Inzaghi will have to carefully plan squad rotation to avoid further injuries. Looking back at history, Al-Hilal has always been an ambitious team with squad depth. However, injuries are an inevitable part of top-level football. The issue lies in how the team reacts and adapts to circumstances. Inzaghi, who had successful years at Inter Milan, is accustomed to managing with a squad missing many key players. He may adjust the tactical formation, switch to a three-man defence, or pull a defensive midfielder down to support the backline. One solution Inzaghi might consider is using defensive midfielder Ruben Neves in an emergency centre-back role. Neves has good game reading and accurate passing, but he lacks the pace and physical dueling ability required for a centre-back position. However, in a crisis situation, this could be an acceptable option. Additionally, Al-Hilal could promote some young players from the academy to the first team. However, the pressure of a derby and important continental matches may be too much for inexperienced players. Inzaghi will have to carefully weigh between using young players and adjusting tactics to fit the current squad. Another notable point is Koulibaly's injury condition. Although he played until the end, head injuries always carry potential risks. If Koulibaly cannot play in the derby against Al-Shabab, Al-Hilal will only have Hassan Tambakti as the only proper centre-back. This would be a real disaster for the team's defence. In that context, the role of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou becomes more important than ever. The Moroccan goalkeeper is famous for his excellent reflexes and ability to command the defensive line. He will be a great mental support for young defenders or those playing out of position. On Al-Shabab's side, they will certainly see a big opportunity to take points from a crisis-hit Al-Hilal. Al-Shabab possesses fast and technical attacking players who can exploit the spaces left by Al-Hilal's defence. This derby promises to be very tense and dramatic. Additionally, it is worth noting that Al-Hilal is competing on multiple fronts simultaneously. Balancing energy between the domestic league and the continental arena is a difficult puzzle. With a depleted squad, Inzaghi may have to prioritize one competition, possibly the AFC Champions League Elite, where Al-Hilal has high ambitions. However, it cannot be denied that Al-Hilal is still a team with rich tradition and extremely strong competitive character. They are used to overcoming difficulties and winning in the most critical moments. Fans still believe in Inzaghi's ability to turn things around and his players' resilience. Another important factor is the return of some players from injury. If one of the recovering defenders can be fit in time for the derby, it would be a valuable boost. However, rushing to use a player who has not fully recovered could lead to more severe injuries, which no one wants. In that context, Al-Hilal's management may also consider strengthening the squad in the upcoming winter transfer window. However, finding a quality centre-back mid-season is not easy. Teams usually do not want to sell their key players mid-season, and prices are often inflated. Overall, Al-Hilal is facing one of the most difficult periods since the start of the season. However, with their rich history and the character of a big club, they can certainly overcome it. The important thing is that Inzaghi needs to make sensible calculations and the players need to show the highest fighting spirit. The derby with Al-Shabab on Friday will be the first real test for Al-Hilal's patched-up defence. If they pass this challenge, they will gain more confidence for the road ahead. Conversely, if they fail, the pressure will weigh even more heavily on Inzaghi and his players. Football is like that, always full of surprises and challenges. Al-Hilal is going through one of its most difficult times, but that is also when the character and class of a big team are most clearly demonstrated. Fans around the world, especially in Vietnam, are closely following the developments of this team. Can Al-Hilal overcome this crisis? The answer will come in the upcoming matches. Let us wait and see, because football always holds wonders. And with an ambitious team like Al-Hilal, nothing is impossible.