Soufiane Rahimi injury raises concern for Al-Ain ahead of Al-Ittihad clash

Al-Ain have received a worrying blow after their Moroccan forward Soufiane Rahimi was injured during the match against Shabab Al-Ahli on Thursday, in the round of 16 of the UAE President's Cup. This comes at a critical time as the team prepares to face a series of important matches, starting with the encounter against Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Soufiane Rahimi left the pitch in the 27th minute after feeling pain in his hamstring, prompting a substitution amid anticipation regarding the nature of the injury and its severity, as he awaits the results of medical examinations that will determine the potential length of his absence.

Soufiane Rahimi's reaction has raised concerns among Al-Ain fans, as he sat on the bench covering his face with his shirt before bursting into tears. This scene heightened fears of a potential injury that could keep him off the pitch in the upcoming period, especially given his importance within the team's attacking setup.

Soufiane Rahimi's injury comes ahead of a series of important fixtures for Al-Ain, as they face Tractor from Iran next Monday in the third round of the league stage of the AFC Champions League Elite, before meeting Ajman on Thursday in the UAE Pro League, followed by a highly anticipated clash against Al-Ittihad.

The match between Al-Ain and Al-Ittihad is receiving special attention, as it will take place on November 2 at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, as part of the fourth round of the AFC Champions League Elite. This makes the readiness of Moroccan striker Soufiane Rahimi one of the key issues occupying the coaching staff of the Emirati team ahead of this encounter.

Al-Ain enter the AFC Champions League Elite with high morale after winning all six points from their first two matches, topping the Western Group standings. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad sit in eleventh place with just one point, following a draw and a defeat.

Soufiane Rahimi's participation in upcoming matches depends on the results of medical examinations, which will reveal the nature of the injury and the time required for recovery.