The coaching staff of Al-Hilal Saudi Club received a huge morale and tactical boost ahead of their upcoming match, with the confirmation that Portuguese star Ruben Neves, the team's professional player, is fully fit to participate in the next match against Damac in the Saudi Professional League. It has been decided that Neves will accompany the team's delegation to Abha, confirming his complete recovery and readiness to compete.
According to the latest developments, the decision to include the player in the starting lineup or keep him as a valuable substitute now rests with the team's manager, Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus (who leads the team), based on his tactical vision and the flow of the match. This comes after the 28-year-old actively participated in the first part of the team's group training session on Friday evening, thus announcing the successful completion of his rehabilitation program.
Neves' numbers and his artistic influence
Ruben Neves has been a key player in Al-Hilal's midfield since joining the club. The Portuguese international has made 17 appearances for the "Leaders," showcasing his impressive attacking and defensive abilities, scoring five goals and providing one assist in 1439 minutes of play. His return is considered a significant boost to the midfield, especially given the fierce competition in the league this season. Neves's ability to link up play and his long-range shooting are crucial elements for the team to break down opposing defenses.
Match context and the importance of the points
In a related development, Al-Hilal will be a tough opponent for Damac at 8:30 PM tomorrow, Sunday, in the 13th round of the Saudi Professional League. This match is of paramount importance in the heated race for the top spot.
Al-Hilal enters the match in second place in the current league standings with 29 points, just two points behind the leader. This makes a victory in this game crucial to remain in direct contention for the title or to seize the top spot should their rivals falter. It's worth noting that matches against Damac in Abha are always fiercely contested and challenging due to home advantage and the noticeable improvement in the level of mid-table Saudi league teams. This necessitates that Al-Hilal approach the match with high concentration and their full squad.
