Sources revealed to the "Asharq Al-Awsat" newspaper that Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazi, a player for Neom Club, will be absent from his team in their next two matches against Al-Khulood and Al-Nassr in the seventh and eighth rounds of the Roshan Saudi League.

Hegazi suffered a muscle injury in the back of his thigh during the match against Al-Khaleej, which took place on Friday evening and ended in a 1-1 draw, forcing the coaching staff to substitute him at halftime with player Khalifa Al-Dosari.

Initial medical reports confirmed that Hegazi's absence will exceed at least two weeks, and his condition will be reassessed during the international break in mid-November to determine his readiness to return to participation.

The player is expected to undergo an intensive treatment and rehabilitation program under the supervision of the medical staff at Neom Club, with the possibility of him being ready for the match against Al-Taawun scheduled for the end of the same month.

French coach Christophe Galtier will face a challenge in selecting the most suitable substitute during the upcoming matches, as he considers between the local duo Khalifa Al-Dosari and Aoun Al-Salouli to compensate for the absence of the team's defensive captain.

It is noteworthy that the Saudi league will later pause for 22 days due to the Arab Cup tournament, which gives the medical and technical staff at Neom an additional opportunity to restore Hegazi to full fitness before resuming competitions.