A technical decision that raises questions
In a surprising move, Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, manager of Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, decided to exclude young Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo from the squad that will face UAE's Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai. This important match is part of the seventh round of the group stage in the AFC Champions League, the continent's premier club competition.
According to sources close to the club, the decision to exclude Leonardo was purely tactical, made by coach Jorge Jesus, and is not related to any injury. This decision opens the door to speculation about the Portuguese coach's strategy for this difficult match, especially since Leonardo is considered one of the team's promising attacking options for the future.
The context of the match and its continental importance
Matches between Al Hilal and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai always have a special character, representing a footballing clash between two of the strongest leagues in the region: the Saudi Professional League and the UAE Pro League. This match is further amplified by its place in the AFC Champions League, a tournament in which Al Hilal, the record holder for the most titles, seeks to solidify its dominance.
Historically, matches between Saudi and Emirati clubs have been fiercely contested, making each game a true test of both teams' strength. Al-Hilal enters the match with high morale after a resounding 6-0 victory over Al-Akhdoud in their last league match, reflecting the excellent form and fitness of their players.
Significant absences in the leader's ranks
Marcus Leonardo's absence won't be the only one for Al-Hilal; the squad will also be missing other prominent names, further complicating the task for coach Jorge Jesus. French star Karim Benzema is ineligible due to having already participated in the same tournament with his former club, Al-Ittihad, a violation of the regulations. Additionally, winger Salem Al-Dawsari and the solid Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly are both sidelined with injuries.
These numerous absences present the coaching staff with a significant challenge in selecting the most suitable lineup and compensating for the absence of players of the caliber and value of Benzema, Koulibaly, and Al-Dawsari. It is expected that Jesus will rely on the depth of his squad to find appropriate tactical solutions and demonstrate the team's strength as a cohesive unit, unaffected by the absence of any single player – a tactic Al-Hilal has excelled at in recent seasons.
