Questions have resurfaced regarding the future of young Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo with Saudi club Al-Hilal, after he missed the first team's group training session in preparation for the upcoming match against Emirati club Al-Wahda. This crucial encounter is part of the eighth round of the group stage in the AFC Champions League, a tournament of paramount importance to Al-Hilal.
According to sources close to the club, Leonardo's absence was not due to injury, but rather a tactical decision by Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus . The coach decided to relegate the player to individual training, which automatically excluded him from the squad for the crucial continental match. This decision is controversial, especially as it marks the fifth consecutive time the Brazilian forward has been left out of the team's matches across various domestic and continental competitions, reflecting a tactical vision that does not currently consider him a key player.
Background to the decision and context of the competition
Marcus Leonardo joined Al-Hilal from Brazilian club Santos during the last winter transfer window, amidst high expectations from fans due to his promising goal-scoring talent and young age. However, the player found himself in the midst of fierce competition for a place in the starting lineup, especially with the presence of the outstanding Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has been delivering exceptional performances. This situation, in addition to Leonardo's refusal to leave the club on loan during the winter transfer window, may have contributed to his current situation with the team.
The importance of the match and the impact of the player's absence
Al-Hilal, the record holders for the most AFC Champions League titles, are looking to continue their successful campaign in the current edition of the tournament. Their match against Al-Wahda of the UAE is a crucial step towards consolidating their lead in the group and reaffirming their continental dominance. In this context, the exclusion of a player of Leonardo's caliber, even as a substitute, significantly reduces the attacking options available to coach Jesus. While his absence may not have a major impact in the short term given the presence of Mitrovic, his continued exclusion raises questions about his long-term investment in the club and fuels speculation about a possible departure in the upcoming summer transfer window in search of regular playing time.
