Al-Hilal's first football team is preparing for a tough and crucial test on Sunday evening when they travel to face Neom in the 16th round of the Saudi Professional League. This match comes at a particularly critical time for Al-Hilal, who find themselves facing exceptional circumstances and a severe shortage of key players. This puts the coaching staff, led by coach Inzaghi, under immense pressure to find the right formula to secure the points in this match.
Defensive and goalkeeping absences: The price of international success
The coaching staff suffered a major blow with the confirmed absence of defensive linchpin Kalidou Koulibaly of Senegal and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou of Morocco. The absence of this influential duo stems from a heavy national commitment, as both players are currently in Ivory Coast representing their respective national teams (Senegal and Morocco) in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, which takes place tonight, coinciding with Al-Hilal's match. This absence presents a formidable tactical challenge, given Bounou's leadership role in directing the defense and Koulibaly's solidity to the back line, forcing the coach to field substitutes who may lack match sharpness.
The absence of the tornado: a loss of individual solutions
The woes didn't stop at the back line; they extended to the attacking force as the team's captain and star player, Salem Al-Dawsari, was confirmed to be out due to injury. The absence of "The Tornado" represents a significant loss for Al-Hilal, not only technically but also psychologically, as Al-Dawsari is the driving force behind their attacks and the player capable of unlocking compact defenses with his individual skills and innovative solutions. The remaining attacking players will now bear a double burden to compensate for the absence of Asia's best player and attempt to penetrate Neom's well-organized defense.
Additional challenges and Neom's ambition
The task becomes even more difficult with the exclusion of young and recently signed players Murad Hawsawi and Rayan Al-Dossari due to their lack of full fitness, further limiting coach Inzaghi's bench options. Meanwhile, Neom enters the match bolstered by home advantage and a passionate crowd, and driven by a strong desire to prove themselves against the reigning champions, capitalizing on Al-Hilal's current struggles. This match holds particular significance in the league title race, where dropping points is unacceptable, leaving fans eager to see how Al-Hilal will cope with these crucial absences during one of the season's most challenging periods.
