RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 10 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Serbian international Aleksandar Mitrović missed Al Hilal’s training session on Sunday after experiencing an irregular heartbeat, the Saudi club has confirmed.
The 30-year-old striker, formerly of Newcastle United and Fulham, had only recently returned to action following an injury layoff. He marked his comeback with a goal in Friday’s Saudi Pro League match but is now a doubt for Al Hilal’s crucial Asian Champions League last-16 second-leg clash against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor on Tuesday.
In a statement, Al Hilal said: “The medical staff has decided to rest Aleksandar Mitrović from Sunday’s training due to fatigue and arrhythmias. He will be observed carefully by specialists, with continuous monitoring of his condition.”
Al Hilal, four-time winners of Asia’s premier club competition, face an uphill task in their bid to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Uzbekistan. Mitrović’s potential absence would be a significant blow to their hopes of progression.
The Serbian forward moved to the Riyadh-based club in August 2023 for a reported fee of approximately €50 million. He has since been a key figure in Al Hilal’s attack, forming a formidable partnership with fellow stars in the squad.
Cardiac concerns in football have become a topic of increasing scrutiny in recent years, with several high-profile players, including Christian Eriksen and Sergio Agüero, experiencing heart-related issues. Mitrović’s condition will undoubtedly be monitored closely, with his long-term well-being prioritised over immediate match fitness.