Mitrovic misses AFC Champions League clash due to irregular heart beat

The National Times - Mitrovic misses AFC Champions League clash due to irregular heart beat

SPORTS 11.03.2025

Mitrovic misses AFC Champions League clash due to irregular heart beat / Photo: © AFP

Former Newcastle and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was omitted from Al Hilal's matchday squad for Tuesday's AFC Champions League Elite tie against Pakhtakor, after being found days previously to have an irregular heart beat.

Change text size:

The 30-year-old Serbian international marked his return to the team on Friday by scoring in the Saudi Pro League -- his first appearance since the start of the year following a hamstring injury which caused him to miss 13 matches.

However, on Monday Al Hilal said in a statement: "The medical staff has decided to rest Aleksandar Mitrovic from Sunday's training due to feeling fatigue and arrhythmias.

"He will be observed accurately by specialists, as his case will be monitored constantly."

Mitrovic was not included in Tuesday's second leg against Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor in the AFC Champions League Elite last 16 in Riyadh. Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo will start as striker in his absence.

Al Hilal, record four-time winners of Asia's top club competition, trail 1-0 after last week's first leg in Uzbekistan.

Mitrovic joined Al Hilal from Fulham in August 2023 for a reported fee of about 50 million euros ($55 million).

He played a key role in the Riyadh-based club winning last season's Saudi Pro League by scoring 28 goals in 28 games.

Mitrovic has added another 13 league goals in 14 matches this season, while he has five goals in six appearances in the rebranded Asian Champions League.

D.S.Robertson--TNT

Former SNY Host Niki Lattarulo Confirms Layoffs Amid Network Cuts

Former SNY host Niki Lattarulo has confirmed she was among the editorial staff laid off last week as the sports network canceled two of its flagship programs. The cuts coincide with a broader operational review that includes removing past content from the network's website, though core Mets and Jets coverage will continue.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

The National Times - Mitrovic misses AFC Champions League clash due to irregular heart beat