Derby Revival: Théo Hernández Returns for Al Hilal Ahead of Klassiker
19 February 2026
Derby Revival: Théo Hernández Returns for Al Hilal Ahead of Klassiker
Al Hilal have welcomed a new star back ahead of the classic against their traditional rivals Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Hilal hosts Ittihad this Saturday at Kingdom Arena, in the 23rd round of the competition.
Saudi journalist Hamad Al-Suwaileh, posting on X, said French left-back Théo Hernández will be fit to play the Klassiker.
Al-Suwaileh added Hernández took part in the first part of Thursday's full training session ahead of the match.
Hernández would become Hilal's second returnee before the Klassiker, after Brazilian winger Malcolm, who also recovered from a knee knock sustained in the win over Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.
Hernández had missed the team's last two matches, against Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League and against Al Wahda of the United Arab Emirates in the Elite AFC Champions League, due to a muscle injury.
And the French wing-back featured this season in 28 matches for Hilal across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 2 assists.
And for a little humor: if goals had punchlines, this derby would be a stand-up special; the crowd's roar might just outpace the referee's whistle.
The only thing louder than the fans could be the net snapping shut after every strike.
