The Al-Hilal Al-Hazem match at the Kingdom Arena on Monday could send Simone Inzaghi’s side top of the Roshn Saudi League. Kick-off in Riyadh is 9pm local time, which is 7pm in the UK, according to the club’s official fixture list.
Al-Hilal are second on 21 points from eight games. Goal reports they sit one point behind Al-Qadsiah, who have played nine. Al-Hazem are tenth on nine points, according to Asharq, and are coached by Tunisian Jalel Kadri.
Salem Al-Dawsari’s fitness is the main question
Captain Salem Al-Dawsari joined full group training on Friday, according to the club, after finishing his treatment and rehabilitation programme. Goal reports that a decision on his involvement against Al-Hazem comes after Sunday’s training session.
Inzaghi spoke to the media on Sunday. Asharq quotes him saying (translated from Arabic): “Salem was ready, but he suffered an injury that kept him out of the Ittihad and Al-Sadd games. Now he and all the players are in great condition, and his involvement will be decided after today’s training.” The same report says the club’s treatment room is empty, so Inzaghi has a full squad to choose from.
Inzaghi also pointed to his attacking options. Asharq lists Al-Dawsari, Crescencio Summerville, Gabriel Martinelli and Sultan Mandash as players he can rotate between games.
Form heading into Al-Hazem
Al-Hilal beat Al-Ittihad 3-2 in the Clasico. They then won 2-0 at Al-Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite on Tuesday.
Al-Hilal Al-Hazem pits a title chaser against a side ranked tenth, so Al-Hazem arrive as underdogs. Even so, Al-Hilal will not take them lightly, because a tough week follows.
Al-Hilal Al-Hazem and the big week ahead
Al-Hilal visit leaders Al-Qadsiah on Thursday 23 October, with a 9pm local kick-off, the club’s fixture list shows. Next comes the trip to Al Shamal in the AFC Champions League Elite on 27 October. They then host Al-Fateh on 31 October. Two wins this week would put Al-Hilal firmly in the title race.
Sources: Al-Hilal fixtures, OneFootball, Goal and Asharq.
