The official website of Al-Ettifaq Club published a statement saying that a successful surgery on the cruciate ligament was performed for the team's star, João Costa.

The player sustained the injury during the match against Al-Khaleej, as part of the 30th round of the Saudi League.

The statement read: "Portuguese player João Costa underwent a successful surgical operation at Aspetar Hospital in the Qatari capital, Doha, after suffering a torn cruciate ligament during the team's match against Al-Khaleej in the Roshan League."

The statement continued: "Costa is scheduled to begin his rehabilitation program in the upcoming period, in coordination with the doctor overseeing his case and the club's medical staff, as he will undergo the first phase of rehabilitation in Qatar."