Al-Hilal's coaching staff breathed a sigh of relief after it was officially confirmed that their star left-back, Mutaib Al-Harbi, is fit and available for selection in the upcoming derby against arch-rivals Al-Nassr. This confirmation came after thorough medical tests showed the player was completely free of the pain he had recently been experiencing, giving him the green light to participate in group training and prepare for the crucial match.
Details of the injury and quick return
Al-Hilal fans were concerned after the team's coaching staff were forced to exclude Al-Harbi at the last minute before their previous match against Al-Hazm, which took place last Thursday evening as part of the thirteenth round of the league. The coach then brought on Nasser Al-Dawsari as a makeshift substitute after Al-Harbi suffered a sudden injury during warm-ups. However, subsequent examinations revealed it was a minor bruise that did not warrant any serious concern.
The Riyadh derby... a summit that transcends the boundaries of the pitch
Al-Hilal is scheduled to host Al-Nassr at 8:30 PM next Monday in the highlight match of the 14th round of the Saudi Professional League. This match carries exceptional importance, transcending its status as a mere three-point game; it represents the "Riyadh Derby," which enjoys unprecedented global attention due to the presence of a constellation of international football stars on both teams, drawing all eyes to the Saudi capital to witness this football extravaganza.
The battle for the top spot and the points calculations
This encounter comes at a crucial juncture in the competition, with Al-Hilal entering the match atop the Roshan League standings with 35 points. Al-Nassr, on the other hand, sits in second place with 31 points, meaning the gap between the two rivals is a mere four points. This match is considered a "six-pointer," as a victory for Al-Hilal would extend their lead to seven points, bringing them significantly closer to reclaiming the title. Conversely, a win for Al-Nassr would reduce the gap to just one point, reigniting the title race and keeping the competition alive until the final rounds.
The importance of the return of tactical warfare
The return of Mutaib Al-Harbi represents a significant tactical boost for Al-Hilal, given his defensive and offensive capabilities which provide the team with much-needed balance on the left flank, especially against the formidable attacking wings of Al-Nassr. Al-Hilal aims to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans to assert their dominance and solidify their lead in this exceptional league season.
