Trézéguet's Injury Puts Egypt Call-Up in Doubt
Trézéguet’s return was supposed to steady Al-Riyadh. Instead, it has opened up a new worry for club and country.
After missing the 5-0 thrashing by Al-Ahli in the fifth round of the Saudi Pro League with a hamstring problem, the Egyptian winger was back in the XI for the Gulf clash with Al-Khaleej. The question lingered from kick-off: was he really ready?
The answer came far too quickly.
The Al-Riyadiah newspaper reported that the same hamstring issue forced his early withdrawal against Al-Khaleej, cutting short only his sixth appearance of the season for Al-Riyadh across the league and the King’s Cup. What was meant to be a step towards full sharpness turned into another grim walk down the tunnel.
He will now undergo medical examinations and X-rays in the coming hours to determine the exact extent of the damage, how serious the injury is and how long he will be out of training and matches. The club needs clarity. So does Egypt.
The timing is brutal. Trézéguet had been expected to join Egypt’s upcoming camp for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with two matches looming against Angola and South Sudan on 25 and 29 September. His availability for those fixtures is suddenly in real doubt, just when the national team wanted his experience and end product.
Until this setback, his start to life at Al-Riyadh had been quietly effective. One goal in the Saudi league, two assists – one in the league, one in the cup – and a growing influence in the final third. Not spectacular, but building.
Current Situation
On the night, at least, Al-Riyadh found something to cling to. The result against Al-Khaleej pushed them up to 5 points and into twelfth place in the Saudi Roshn Pro League table. Al-Khaleej sit just behind them on 4 points in thirteenth.
Upcoming Fixtures
Next, Al-Riyadh travel to face Al-Khaloud on Sunday. Whether Trézéguet is on that plane, or watching from the treatment room, may shape more than just their week. It could shape Egypt’s start to a new qualifying campaign.
