Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has returned to full Al Hilal training on the eve of Tuesday’s AFC Champions League Elite meeting with Al Sadd in Doha. The midfielder took part in the group session after completing his rehabilitation programme, as the Saudi side finished their final field preparations on Monday evening.
There was also progress for Hamad Al-Yami, who joined the first part of the group session before continuing his own rehabilitation programme. Salem Al-Dawsari, meanwhile, continued his treatment and rehabilitation work at the Al Majidiyah Sports Center.
Al Hilal training boost before Al Sadd trip
Milinkovic-Savic’s return to Al Hilal training is the clearest positive from the final session. The Serbian had been working through a rehabilitation programme and his involvement in collective Al Hilal training on Monday marks its completion.
Al-Yami’s situation is different. Taking part in the opening portion of the session is a step forward, but he then returned to his individual programme, so his involvement should not be read as a full return to contention.
Al-Dawsari continues his treatment and rehabilitation programme at the club’s Al Majidiyah facility.
Final session wraps up before Doha
Monday evening’s Al Hilal training session was the last on-field preparation before the second round of Champions League Elite fixtures. Al Hilal face Al Sadd at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday, with kick-off at 19:00 local time, 17:00 BST.
The planned pre-match press conference, which had been due to feature the head coach and a player on Monday, was cancelled.
The delegation is due to make the trip to Doha under the leadership of club board member Nawaf Al-Temyat.
Selection picture for Doha
After Al Hilal training, Simone Inzaghi goes into the Al Sadd game with Milinkovic-Savic back among the group and two team-mates at different stages of their recoveries. Al-Yami’s partial involvement is not confirmation of match availability, while Al-Dawsari continues his treatment and rehabilitation programme.
Al Hilal head into the match after the weekend’s 3-2 Clasico victory over Al Ittihad. Read our Al Sadd v Al Hilal preview for kick-off, venue and squad context. Training details via Al Hilal’s official website.
