Karim Benzema, the star striker for Real Madrid and France, has been ruled out of action until at least January due to a knee injury he sustained in a game against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
The Frenchman, who is one of the most prolific strikers in world football, was replaced in the 66th minute after appearing to be in pain during a tackle from Bilbao defender Iker Muniain. He then underwent surgery on his knee to repair a tear that required a ligament reconstruction.
Benzema, who has scored 22 goals this season for Real Madrid, will now miss the remainder of the club's Champions League campaign as well as several key domestic games.
Al Hilal, a Saudi Arabian club where Benzema signed a contract last summer, has struggled defensively since losing him. The team has conceded seven goals in their past three matches without Benzema, which includes a 4-1 loss to Al-Nassr on Monday.
Despite the setback, Al Hilal coach Ali Al Arabi said that the team will continue to play according to its style and strategy, even if it means sacrificing some of its best players.
"The team needs to adapt to the situation," Arabi said. "We have lost our captain, Karim Benzema, but we still have other experienced players who can step up."
Meanwhile, Benzema's absence could provide an opportunity for other players within the squad to showcase their skills and take advantage of increased playing time. However, it remains to be seen how Al Hilal will cope without their star striker.
In conclusion, Benzema's injury update is a significant blow for both Real Madrid and Al Hilal, and the club will need to find ways to overcome the absence of their leading scorer. While the team may struggle in the short term, they will ultimately have to rely on their depth and experience to navigate through the difficult times ahead.