Heart rhythm problems have sidelined Aleksandar Mitrović. This comes just days after his return from a two-month hamstring injury. He scored in Al-Hilal’s 2-0 win over Al-Fayha on March 7, 2025. Hours later, he needed hospital care. Talk about bad luck for the Saudi giants.

What caused Aleksandar Mitrović a health issue?

Doctors found “fatigue and arrhythmias” in the Serbian striker. This irregular heartbeat needs expert attention. Al-Hilal confirmed this in a statement on March 9. Medical teams now watch the 30-year-old’s condition closely.

“It’s been a tough two and a half months for me… injury after injury,” Mitrovic told SSC Sports after the Al-Fayha game. He didn’t know what was coming. Saudi sports outlet Arriyadiyah reported a “rapid heartbeat caused by physical stress” hit him soon after his comeback.

Arrhythmias come in many forms. Some are minor, others serious. Doctors think his quick return to high-level football might have triggered it. No one knows when he’ll play again. This puts Al-Hilal’s Champions League hopes in danger.

How will this affect Al-Hilal’s comeback hopes?

Al-Hilal must overcome a 1-0 deficit against Pakhtakor. They lost the first leg in Uzbekistan without Aleksandar Mitrović. The home leg happens tomorrow. They need a win to reach the quarter-finals.

Missing their star scorer hurts badly. Mitrovic has put away 13 goals in just 14 Saudi Pro League games this season. The injury list already looks grim. Joao Cancelo, Ali Al-Bulaihi, and Yasir Al-Shahrani can’t play. Renan Lodi, Hassan Tambakti, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic might miss out too.

Jorge Jesus must find new answers up front. Marcos Leonardo brings hope with four goals in eight Champions League matches. He tops Al-Hilal’s scoring charts in the Saudi Pro League too. Malcolm has netted twice in recent ACL games. But neither matches what Mitrovic offers in strength and finishing.

What does this mean for betting on the match?

Mitrović’s absence changes everything for betting fans. Al-Hilal still look favorite at home, but scoring enough goals becomes harder now.

Look at the stats. Without Mitrovic, Al-Hilal score just 1.8 goals per game. With him, they hit 2.7. Expect a tight, low-scoring affair. Al-Hilal will attack non-stop, but finishing chances will prove tough.

Under 2.5 goals makes sense here. Don’t rule out extra time and penalties either. Pakhtakor defends well away from home. They’ve let in only three goals in their last six road games.

Watch for late team news. If Mitrovic somehow makes the bench, odds will shift quickly. This matters hugely for sports betting choices.

Aleksandar Mitrović’s remarkable impact since joining Al-Hilal

The £22 million man from Fulham has dominated Saudi football. He arrived in August 2023 as Fulham’s record sale. His first season brought 40 goals. This term, he’s added 21 more across all competitions despite injuries.

At Fulham, he smashed in 43 Championship goals in 2021-22. For Serbia, he’s netted 55 times in 89 games per Transfermarkt. At 30, he should be peaking. But these health worries raise questions about how long he can stay at the top.

What’s next for Aleksandar Mitrović and Al-Hilal?

Mitrović health comes first. Cardiac specialists will run tests like ECGs and stress assessments. They need to know how serious his condition is before planning treatment.

Al-Hilal still lead the Saudi Pro League table. They want domestic glory and Champions League success. If Mitrovic sits out long-term, they might need new tactical approaches. Emergency forward signings could happen if league rules allow it.

Whatever happens, we see again how fast football fortunes change. Smart betting decisions always factor in last-minute injury news.