In a surprising tactical move that has sparked much discussion in Saudi sports circles, Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, manager of Al-Hilal, has decided to exclude international defender Ali Al-Bulaihi from the official squad list for the upcoming match against Damac FC. This match is part of the 13th round of the Saudi Professional League and is scheduled for this Sunday evening.
Continued absence for the second consecutive match
This decision is not a random occurrence, but rather a confirmation of a tactical approach recently adopted by the Italian coach, as Ali Al-Bulaihi is absent from Al-Hilal's lineup for the second consecutive match. The player was also left out of the coaching staff's plans for the previous round against Al-Kholoud, opening the door to widespread speculation about the true reasons behind this exclusion. Is it due to purely technical reasons related to Inzaghi's playing style, or is it an internal disciplinary decision, especially since Al-Bulaihi has been a cornerstone of Al-Hilal's and the Saudi national team's defense for years?.
A defensive crisis and a critical time
This move takes on added significance given Al-Hilal's current defensive situation. The team is suffering from a clear shortage of players in the center-back position, coinciding with the absence of Senegalese star Kalidou Koulibaly. Koulibaly is currently with his national team, the Lions of Teranga, participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a tournament that drains the energy of international players and leaves clubs struggling to compensate for their absence. The simultaneous absence of two key players like Koulibaly and Al-Bulaihi presents Al-Hilal's defense with a formidable challenge against Damac's attack, and places a heavy responsibility on the coach should the team falter.
Top of the table calculations and the importance of the three points
This match comes at a crucial juncture for Al-Hilal's campaign in the Saudi Professional League this season. The clash against Damac presents a golden opportunity for the Blues to seize the top spot in the league standings for the first time this season if they secure a victory and claim all three points. Al-Hilal fans are well aware that the competition in the Saudi League has become fiercer with the improved level of clubs and the influx of international stars, meaning that dropping any points, especially in home matches or against mid-table teams, could ultimately cost the team the title. Therefore, Inzaghi's decision to exclude Al-Bulaihi is a significant gamble that could boost his standing with a clean sheet or expose him to criticism should any defensive lapses occur.
