Mutaib Al-Harbi’s Injury Update: Saudi National Team’s⁤ Concerns

Recent reports have‍ shed light on the latest incident involving Al Hilal player Mutaib Al-Harbi’s injury during the Saudi national team’s match against Indonesia.

Al-Harbi,​ the young left-back, suffered the injury while featuring with the Saudi senior national⁤ football team against Indonesia on Thursday evening in the first round of the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 ⁤World Cup.

The incident occurred in the 30th minute of the first half, where Al-Harbi collapsed on the ​field. Despite medical attention, the player was unable to continue and was substituted two minutes later.

Medical Update and Recovery

According to ​sports journalist Abdullah Al-Hanyan, Mutaib Al-Harbi underwent an X-ray examination upon ‍the ​Saudi national team’s arrival in China. ‍The results of the examination are expected to be revealed soon. Al-Harbi also underwent ⁣a ‌recovery session at the player​ health club.

Possible Duration of Absence

Physiotherapist Dr. Thamer‌ Al-Shahrani revealed the possible duration of Al-Harbi’s absence, stating that the player is suffering from a “muscle strain.” The expected ⁣recovery time⁣ is between 3 to 5 days, or potentially two ⁢to three weeks if the injury is of a higher degree.

Transfer Controversy and‌ Upcoming Matches

The Mutaib Al-Harbi transfer deal sparked‌ controversy in Saudi football, with Al-Hilal securing the ‍player for a financial fee of around 120 million riyals. Al-Nasr had also expressed interest in the player ‌but was outbid by Al-Hilal.

The Saudi national team has ⁤begun preparing for⁢ their upcoming match against China ‌without rest. The team ‍will face their Chinese opponents next Tuesday, following China’s heavy defeat to the Japanese‌ national team⁢ (0-7).