In a notable development within the club, Italian coach Simone Inzaghi has decided to exclude veteran defender Ali Al-Bulaihi from the official squad called up for the match against Neom. This highly anticipated encounter is part of the 16th round of the Saudi Professional League and is scheduled to take place at the Kingdom Arena, the Riyadh-based club's new home ground.
Reasons for Ali Al-Bulaihi's exclusion and Inzaghi's decision
Sources close to the club confirmed that Ali Al-Bulaihi's exclusion from the match squad was not due to injury or suspension, but rather a purely technical decision by coach Simone Inzaghi. The coaching staff believes that the current phase requires a different type of defender, or perhaps a different tactic, that doesn't suit Al-Bulaihi's current playing style, leading to his definitive exclusion from this important match.
Al-Bulaihi's future and the offers presented
This exclusion opens the door wide to speculation about the international defender's future with Al-Hilal, with reports indicating that Ali Al-Bulaihi is close to leaving the club. Several clubs in the Saudi Professional League are reportedly showing serious interest in acquiring his services, most notably Al-Ittihad, who are looking to bolster their defense, and Al-Akhdoud. Al-Hilal's management has left the decision regarding his next destination entirely to the player himself, in recognition of his contributions to the team.
The context of the competition and the importance of the Neom match
The Al-Hilal vs. Neom match is of paramount importance in the context of this season's league title race. Al-Hilal, boasting a star-studded lineup, aims to secure three points to continue their climb towards the top of the table or at least solidify their position, especially given the fierce competition in the Roshan Professional League and the rising prominence of newly promoted clubs like Neom. This match will be a true test of coach Inzaghi's tactical choices, particularly after his bold decision to release one of the team's key defensive players of recent years.
Al-Bulaihi's history and the impact of his absence
Ali Al-Bulaihi is one of the names synonymous with Al-Hilal's achievements in recent years, known for his leadership qualities and fighting spirit in major matches, both domestically and in the AFC Champions League. His absence from the lineup could represent a turning point in Al-Hilal's defense, and fans are eager to see how the team will cope with Al-Neymar's attacks without the defender who has consistently been a key player in crucial matches.
