Simone Inzaghi, the manager of Al-Hilal, is facing significant challenges ahead of the match against Al-Taawoun. The game will take place today at the Kingdom Arena as part of the 27th round of the Roshen League. Due to a series of injuries and suspensions within the squad, Inzaghi has made strategic adjustments to his starting line-up.
Al-Hilal’s Line-up Challenges
Inzaghi revealed his official team line-up, which notably included only seven foreign players. Key players are absent, impacting the team’s performance and strategy. Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić is missing due to accumulated yellow cards. French players Simon Bouabri and Karim Benzema are sidelined due to injuries, along with Turkish defender Yusuf Akçıkçık.
Additionally, several important local players are not available. The injuries have affected wingers Salem Al-Dossari and Sultan Mandash, midfielder Nasser Al-Dossari, and right-back Hamad Al-Yami. To adapt, Inzaghi is utilizing Brazilian Marcos Leonardo and Ivorian Mohamed Kader Miti in attack, with Brazilian winger Malcom stepping in for the absent Benzema and Salem Al-Dossari.
Midfield Composition and Depth
The midfield for the match against Al-Taawoun includes Murad Hawsawi, Mohammed Kanno, and Portuguese player Ruben Neves. This arrangement is necessary to compensate for the missing Savic and Nasser Al-Dossari. Furthermore, Inzaghi is incorporating players from the Under-21 squad on the substitutes’ bench, including:
- Abdulaziz Al-Jarmoush
- Mishaal Al-Dawood
- Abdullah Al-Zaid
- Mohammed Al-Zaid
- Suhaib Al-Zaid
- Saad Al-Mutairi
Current League Position
Inzaghi’s hope is to navigate through these player absences to maintain Al-Hilal’s competitiveness for the Saudi Pro League title. Currently, Al-Hilal is second in the league standings with 64 points, trailing leaders Al-Nassr by six points. Notably, Al-Nassr has a game in hand, adding to the urgency of securing a victory today.
Al-Hilal’s Starting Line-up Against Al-Taawoun
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Yassine Bounou |
| Defense | Mutaib Al-Harbi |
| Defense | Hassan Tambakti |
| Defense | Kalidou Koulibaly |
| Defense | Theo Hernández |
| Midfield | Murad Hawsawi |
| Midfield | Ruben Neves |
| Midfield | Mohammed Kanno |
| Forward | Malcom |
| Forward | Marcus Leonardo |
| Forward | Mohamed Kader Miti |
