The Saudi Al Hilal team has suffered a painful blow after confirming the injury of defender Ali Lajami during the match against Qatari Al Gharafa in the fourth round of the AFC Champions League, putting the coaching staff in a difficult situation in the upcoming period.

Saudi media reports indicated that the player will undergo additional examinations at a specialized medical center in Riyadh to accurately determine the extent of his injury, after initial tests showed he suffered a second-degree tear in the hamstring.

The same sources clarified that the expected period for Lajami's absence ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on his response to treatment and the rehabilitation plan he will undergo in the coming days at the club's medical facility.

Lajami's absence means he will officially miss Al Hilal's upcoming league matches against Al Najmah, Al Fath, and Al Taawun, in addition to his anticipated absence from the quarter-final match in the King's Cup against Al Fath, which increases the defensive challenges for the team.

The Saudi defender had joined Al Hilal during the last summer transfer window with a contract extending for 3 years coming from Al Nassr, for 5 million Saudi Riyals, and he had started to establish himself among the coach's key options before the injury.

This development comes despite Al Hilal's success in achieving an important victory against Al Gharafa with a score of 2-1, but yesterday's win turned into a source of concern for fans after losing one of the team's key defensive pillars at this sensitive time of the season.