Sofiane Rahimi left the pitch in tears in Al-Ain’s latest match. Tests are scheduled for this Friday to assess the injury to the Moroccan forward, who is seriously doubtful for the clash with Al-Ittihad.
The scene is causing concern at Al-Ain and in the Morocco national team. Sofiane Rahimi, the 30-year-old Moroccan international forward, picked up an injury and had to leave the pitch in tears in the UAE club’s latest match, Goal reports. The exact nature of the injury is not yet known.
The player is seriously doubtful for the highly anticipated clash with Al-Ittihad in the AFC Champions League Elite, the same source says. In-depth medical tests are scheduled for this Friday to assess the severity of a ligament or muscle problem, according to Le Site Info.
A medical verdict expected this Friday
Al-Ain’s medical staff fear a spell on the sidelines lasting several weeks, Goal reports. The tests scheduled for this Friday should clarify the severity of the problem and gauge the impact on the coming weeks of competition.
The Moroccan federation is following the player’s medical file very closely, according to Le Site Info. The injury comes just weeks before the national team’s next international fixtures in the qualifiers, with the national team counting on its attacking leaders.
A major attacking figure for Al-Ain and the Lions
Rahimi was the driving force behind Al-Ain’s AFC Champions League triumph last season, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer and best player, according to Goal. A former Raja Casablanca player, he is also one of the key attacking figures for the Atlas Lions under Walid Regragui, Le Site Info recalls.
He had shone the previous summer at the Olympic Games, where he finished as top scorer in the men’s football tournament, Goal highlights. His absence, should it be confirmed, would deprive Al-Ain of a central figure ahead of a summit meeting between two Gulf powers.
Al-Ittihad in their sights
Al-Ain face Al-Ittihad next week in a summit meeting between two Gulf powers in the AFC Champions League Elite, Goal says. Rahimi’s availability for the match is seriously in doubt.
The MRI results and the official medical verdict are expected during the day this Friday, 23 October 2026, according to Le Site Info.