Jesus in Trouble: Injuries Threaten Al-Hilal's Defense Before the Match Against Pakhtakor

The Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus finds himself facing a difficult test ahead of the match against Uzbek Pakhtakor in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League, as the team is suffering from a real crisis in defense after right-back Joao Cancelo sustained a thigh injury, putting the coaching staff in a complex situation before the anticipated match.

Cancelo's absence represents a significant blow to Al-Hilal, as he is one of the key pillars in the team's lineup, forcing Jesus to find a capable substitute to fill his absence without affecting the playing style. The Portuguese coach is considering his available options before making the final decision regarding the replacement in the backline.

The problem is not limited to Cancelo alone, as Al-Hilal also misses the services of Tambakti, Al-Yami, and Lodi, which increases the difficulty of the task against Pakhtakor. This situation forces the team to change its defensive plans to face this major challenge.

In light of the multiple absences, Jesus is expected to rely on a defensive quartet consisting of Khalifa Al-Dosari, Koulibaly, Al-Bulaihi, and Mu'tab Al-Harbi, in an attempt to find defensive balance and deliver a strong performance against the Uzbek team.

This match will be a real challenge for Al-Hilal's ability to adapt to difficult circumstances, as the team seeks to deliver a strong performance and achieve a positive result despite the absences, to maintain its chances of continuing in the continental journey.