Inzaghi’s Sharp Focus: Al Hilal Face Al Sadd Without Two Stars in Crucial AFC Clash

Italian coach Simone Inzaghi of Al Hilal Saudi confirmed that two stars will miss the upcoming clash with Al Sadd in Riyadh as part of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26. Salem Al-Dawsari and Joao Cancelo will be absent to prevent further injuries, the manager said at today’s press conference.

Inzaghi stressed that the match is crucial as they strive to stay atop the group and maintain momentum. He noted that he has been reviewing Al Sadd’s performances in recent fixtures and regards them as a high-quality opponent, capable of causing problems if underestimated.

He also commented on the broader arc of the season, saying the squad’s cohesion has improved since the FIFA Club World Cup, though a slow start to preseason has hampered full readiness. He praised the high level shown in the recent win against Al Ettifaq and stressed that players are consistently trying to implement ideas in training, with a strong sense of trust between players and the coaching staff.

Message for the squad was clear in a forthcoming warning: do not allow thoughts of the Clasico with Al Ittihad to distract focus from the Saff against Al Sadd. A closed team meeting reportedly reinforced the need for caution against any laxity that could undermine continental ambitions.

Inzaghi believes victories over Al Sadd and then Al Ittihad could put an end to recent wave of criticism, underscoring the continental priority while acknowledging the obstacles ahead. At the moment, Al Hilal sits on top of their group with six points from two wins, while Al Sadd are still chasing their first win after two draws.

Good News for Al Hilal

Saudi newspaper Al-Yawm reports that Hamad Al-Yami, the right-back, is fully fit to feature against Al Sadd after returning to full training. The update follows the club’s announcement that Al-Yami has extended his contract with Al Hilal until 2029, posted via X (Twitter).

The 26-year-old defender joined Al Hilal in 2022 from Al Qadisiyah and has become a core figure for the squad’s defense and ambition. He has appeared in numerous games for the club, contributing defensively and pushing forward when needed, especially after Cancelo’s injury opened opportunities this season.

Al-Yami’s extension comes as a timely vote of confidence from the club’s leadership, recognizing his development and importance to the team’s balance. He thanked the club, the president, and the fans in a post accompanying the news.

Challenging Fixtures Ahead

Looking ahead to October, Al Hilal have a demanding run starting with Al Sadd on Tuesday in the Western Region group stage of the AFC Champions League Elite. The calendar then features a classic derby against Al Ittihad on October 24, followed by a King’s Cup Round of 16 tie against Al Akhdood on October 28, and a Riyadh derby with Al Shabab on October 31.

As the fixtures pile up, Inzaghi will rely on a deep, battle-tested squad and the renewed confidence within the group to press on across competitions. The fans will be hoping the team’s sharpness matches the intensity of October’s schedule.

Punchline time: If precision were a weapon, Inzaghi would qualify for sniper school—his targets are deadlines, injuries, and the critics, and he always aims true. And if patience were a sniper’s bullet, this squad seems to have the scope dialed in, ready to fire at the whistle and leave the skeptics blinking in the kerfuffle of the net.”