Sofiane Rahimi suffered a right-thigh hamstring injury for Al Ain in the President's Cup against Shabab Al-Ahli, a setback that could affect his availability for Morocco's November camp and Monday's match against Al Ittihad. It also gives Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi a selection issue before the third and fourth qualifying rounds for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations against Niger.
How the injury happened
Rahimi picked up the muscular hamstring injury in his right thigh during the President's Cup clash with Shabab Al-Ahli. He left the pitch in tears in the 27th minute.
What Al Ain expect
A source close to Al Ain told Kooora that Rahimi's hamstring injury is no minor knock. The same source told Kooora that Rahimi could miss Morocco's camp in November, with fears that any rush back would make things worse.
The source also told Kooora that Rahimi will sit out Monday's clash against Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad in the fourth round of the AFC Champions League Elite. According to the source close to Al Ain, the club will not gamble on him.
Treatment and return
Rahimi is now working through an intensive treatment programme. His return hinges on how he responds to that treatment.
Morocco's possible cover
Ismael Saibari also picked up an injury in Saturday's clash with Borussia Dortmund in the eighth round of the Bundesliga. A source within the Atlas Lions' technical staff said the most likely solution is to call up Youssef En-Nesyri to cover for the pair.
