Saleh Abu Al-Shamat avoids cruciate ligament injury
Saudi Al-Ahli's Saleh Abu Al-Shamat has avoided a serious knee injury following a scare during a pre-season friendly in Portugal.
Al-Ahli Saudi's training camp in Portugal has received a major morale boost following medical confirmation regarding Saleh Abu Al-Shamat's injury. The team had been on high alert after the player went down suddenly during a friendly match, with concerns mounting over a potential long-term absence.
According to reports from the Saudi newspaper Al-Yaum, MRI scans performed under the supervision of the club's medical staff confirmed that the cruciate ligament remains intact. The tests revealed only a bone bruise, providing significant relief to the coaching staff who had braced for a worst-case scenario.
The knock occurred during Friday's friendly against Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes, which ended in a 3-1 defeat for the Saudi club. This match marked the team's second defeat during their overseas pre-season preparations, following a 4-1 loss to Holstein Kiel in Austria.
As the squad continues its preparations for the new season, they have recorded one victory—an 8-0 win over Saalfelden—and a 2-2 draw with Rio Ave. The news regarding Abu Al-Shamat is a positive development as the club looks to finalize its squad for the upcoming campaign.