Al-Hilal Club revealed that their Portuguese defender João Cancelo will be absent for a period ranging from six to eight weeks after suffering a severe thigh muscle injury during the match against Al-Duhail of Qatar in the first round of the AFC Champions League for elite teams.

Cancelo's absence represents a clear offensive loss for the team, as he is one of the key contributors to goal creation, having scored two goals and provided 12 assists last season, reflecting his direct impact on the blue team's offensive system.

Moreover, Coach Inzaghi's tactical style heavily relies on the synergy between Cancelo and Theo Hernandez on the left side, which will force the coaching staff to reconsider some tactical options in the upcoming period.

One of the most significant losses for Al-Hilal will also be the speed that the Portuguese player possesses, as his runs contributed to increasing the pace of play and confusing opponents' defenses, an element that will not be easy to replace.

The issue is not limited to physical and offensive aspects only, but also extends to Cancelo's extensive experience in European and global arenas, which has been a strong addition to the team both on and off the pitch.

Thus, Al-Hilal faces a compounded challenge in finding a suitable replacement capable of filling this gap, especially since the current phase is crucial both in the local league and at the continental championship level.