Al-Hilal received a significant morale boost with the imminent return of their Brazilian star, Malcom de Oliveira, to action ahead of their highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Al-Ittihad in the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League. Optimism has grown within the Al-Hilal camp following the player's marked improvement and recovery from his recent injury.
Malcom sustained a minor knee injury during his team's match against Al-Ettifaq in the 22nd round, which Al-Hilal won 2-0. Medical examinations confirmed that the injury was not serious, leading to his absence from the AFC Champions League match against Sepahan Isfahan of Iran as a precautionary measure. He has since begun his rehabilitation program, which is progressing according to plan, making him a strong candidate for inclusion in the squad for the upcoming derby match.
Historical context and the importance of El Clásico
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad match, known as the "Saudi Clasico," is one of the most prestigious and intense matches in the history of Saudi and Asian football. The encounter represents a clash between two giants, Al-Hilal from Riyadh and Al-Ittihad from Jeddah, and always carries a special competitive edge that transcends the mere pursuit of three points. With the significant growth of the Saudi Professional League and the influx of international stars, the Clasico has acquired a global dimension, with millions around the world watching to see stars like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, and Fabinho for Al-Ittihad, and Aleksandar Mitrović, Rúben Neves, and Sergej Milinković-Savić for Al-Hilal.
The expected impact of Malcolm's return
The return of 28-year-old Malcom represents a significant boost for Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. The Brazilian has proven to be one of Al-Hilal's most valuable assets this season, featuring in 25 matches, scoring 7 goals and providing 10 assists. His importance lies in his exceptional speed, dribbling skills, and ability to penetrate from the wings, offering Al-Hilal's attacking options and relieving pressure on striker Mitrovic. His presence on the pitch will force Al-Ittihad's defense to lose focus, potentially creating space for his teammates to exploit.
Al-Hilal leads the Roshan League standings with 53 points and an unbeaten record, aiming to solidify its lead and widen the gap with its closest rivals. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad, the defending champion, sits in sixth place with 37 points and is looking for a morale-boosting victory against its traditional rival to improve its position in the standings and regain the confidence of its fans after an inconsistent season. Therefore, Malcom's participation could be a decisive factor in tipping the scales in Al-Hilal's favor in this highly anticipated match.
