Trézéguet's Hamstring Setback Puts Egypt's AFCON Plans in Jeopardy

Trézéguet’s return did not last long. Or go to plan.

Back from a hamstring problem that had already ruled him out of Al-Riyadh’s 5-0 thrashing by Al-Ahli in the fifth round of the Saudi Pro League, the Egyptian winger went down early again in the Gulf clash with Al-Khaleej, sparking instant concern on the touchline.

He tried to continue. He couldn’t.
The same issue had flared up.

Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiah reported that “the hamstring” was once more to blame for his early withdrawal against Al-Khaleej. The Egyptian international is now set for medical tests and X-rays in the coming hours to determine the exact extent of the damage, how serious the recurrence is, and how long he will be out of both training and matches.

The timing is brutal.

Trézéguet had been expected to join Egypt’s upcoming camp for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with two fixtures looming against Angola and South Sudan on 25 and 29 September. His availability for those games is now in serious doubt, a potential blow for both club and country.

Until this setback, the 29-year-old had been steadily building his role at Al-Riyadh. This was his sixth appearance of the season across the Saudi league and the King’s Cup. He has one league goal to his name and two assists so far — one in the league, one in the cup — numbers that only hinted at what he might have produced over a sustained run.

On the night, Al-Riyadh at least found some relief in the table. The result pushed them up to 5 points and into twelfth place in the Saudi Roshn Pro League, with Al-Khaleej sitting just behind on 4 points in thirteenth.

Next, Al-Riyadh head on the road to face Al-Khaloud on Sunday.
Whether Trézéguét is on that plane, or watching from the treatment room, could shape the early story of their season.