Gabriel Martinelli Set for Al-Hilal Return Against Al-Ettifaq

Gabriel Martinelli is set to return for Al-Hilal against Al-Ettifaq on November 7 in the thirteenth round of the Saudi Roshn League. The 25-year-old winger was forced to the sidelines after limping out of an 11th-round match.

Medical tests determined that the former Arsenal player requires between five and seven days of rest following the physical blow. Since moving to the Kingdom Arena from Arsenal during the summer transfer window, Martinelli has made eight appearances and scored six goals for the club.

Injury Origin and Missed Fixtures

The injury occurred last Friday during Al-Hilal’s 3-2 victory over Al-Qadsiah at the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam in the eleventh round of the Saudi Roshn League. The knock immediately ruled the Brazilian out of Al-Hilal’s trip to Qatar to face Al-Shamal last Tuesday in the third round of the AFC Champions League Elite league phase, a fixture Al-Hilal lost 3-1.

Gabriel Martinelli’s Al Hilal return set for Al Ettifaq clash after injury — Photo: africasoccer.com

Saudi journalist Hamad Al-Suwailhi confirmed on the television programme “Dawrina Ghair” that the Al-Shamal match would not be the only fixture the winger misses. According to Al-Suwailhi, medical evaluations dictated a broader recovery window spanning multiple competitions.

Upcoming Matches Without Martinelli

Al-Suwailhi outlined the full extent of the 25-year-old’s absence, noting he will sit out Saturday’s clash against Al-Fateh at the Kingdom Arena for the twelfth round of the Roshn League. Furthermore, his absence will stretch into the following week for a meeting with the UAE’s Shabab Al-Ahli on Tuesday, again hosted at the Kingdom Arena, for the fourth round of the AFC Champions League Elite league phase.

With his recovery timeline mapped out through early November, it remains unconfirmed whether Martinelli will experience any setbacks in training before his targeted November 7 comeback against Al-Ettifaq.