Injury-hit Azmoun targets return for key match against Al Hilal
Iran’s national football team had been preparing in October 2025 for two friendly matches against Russia in Volgograd and Tanzania in Dubai. Coach Amir Qalenoei had submitted his squad list, which included Sardar Azmoun in attack. At the time, the striker was training with Shabab Al Ahli in Dubai.
During Shabab Al Ahli’s final training session before the FIFA international break, Azmoun was present. However, on October 4, 2025, a serious incident occurred: in a collision during training, Azmoun suffered a severe injury. Writhing in pain, his injury disrupted the session, prompting the head coach to halt training and monitor his condition closely, according to IRNA.
Azmoun was immediately transferred to the hospital, where it was confirmed he had sustained a bone fracture, forcing him to miss the national team’s camp. Doctors later stated that he would require several months of recovery, which also caused him to miss Iran’s next matches in the Al Ain Tournament against Cape Verde and Uzbekistan.
In the following months, Azmoun focused entirely on regaining fitness. Although he now participates in Shabab Al Ahli’s training sessions, he has not yet reached full match readiness. He continues his rehabilitation under the supervision of the club’s medical and coaching staff and hopes to return to competitive action in the coming weeks.
Abdulmajid Hussein, Vice President of Shabab Al Ahli, told Hadath TV: “Azmoun is still following his rehabilitation program, and, God willing, with the guidance of our medical and coaching staff, he will return to the field at the right time.”
Despite Azmoun’s absence, Shabab Al Ahli finished the first half of the UAE League in first place, earning 35 points from 14 matches, ahead of Al Ain. The second half of the season began January 28, 2026 with a win over Ajman, again without Azmoun.
Club management and the coaching staff are concentrating on preparing Azmoun fully for the high-stakes clash against Al Hilal on February 9, part of Week 7 of the AFC Champions League, at Sheikh Rashid Stadium in Dubai, where he will host the Saudi side.
Al Hilal currently leads the group with 18 points from six matches, while Shabab Al Ahli sits fifth with 10 points. To secure qualification, Shabab Al Ahli must earn points against Al Hilal, making Azmoun’s return a critical factor.
While there is no doubt that his comeback would strengthen Shabab Al Ahli both mentally and technically, it remains to be seen whether the striker and the club’s medical team can ensure his readiness in time for this decisive encounter.