Cancelo Ruled Out of Al-Hilal’s Asian Champions League Semi with Al-Ahli
Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus has ruled Joao Cancelo out of the remainder of his side’s Asian Champions League Elite campaign with a hamstring injury ahead of their all-Saudi Pro League semi-final against Al-Ahli in Jeddah on Tuesday.
The former Manchester City and Barcelona defender limped off 42 minutes into Al-Hilal’s 7-0 thrashing of South Korea’s Gwangju on Friday and Jesus confirmed the 30-year-old would play no further part in the continental championship.
“The only negative part of an excellent night was the injury to Joao Cancelo,” said Jesus. “He’s one of the players who is very important for the team for his attacking ability.
“We will not have him. He will be out for four to six weeks, that means his season is practically over, but he will be well prepared for our participation in the Club World Cup.”
Al-Hilal remain on track for a record-extending fifth Asian title but face a difficult challenge against an Al-Ahli side that is the only undefeated team left in the competition.
The clubs have already met three times this season in domestic competition, with Al-Ahli winning the most recent encounter in the Saudi Pro League thanks to a hat-trick by England striker Ivan Toney.
