Inzaghi's Bold Call: Bulayhi benched again as Hilal chase top spot against Damak

Inzaghi delivers a fresh shock to Ali Bulayhi ahead of the Damak clash

Italian coach Simone Inzaghi of Al-Hilal has again unsettled defender Ali Bulayhi just hours before the Damak game on Sunday night.

According to the Saudi daily Al-Yawm, Inzaghi has left Bulayhi out of the squad for the Roshen Saudi League Round 13 match against Damak.

Inzaghi opted to exclude Bulayhi for the second consecutive match after last week’s game with Al-Kholood, despite the player being ready, and amid defensive depth concerns with Senegalese Kalidou Koulibaly missing AFCON.

Bulayhi's future is a talking point in January, as he has been linked with a move away in this transfer window.

Bulayhi has appeared seven times across this season for the club in all competitions, contributing one assist and racking up 377 minutes, with no goals.

The capital club currently sits atop the Roshen Saudi League for the first time this season if they beat Damak, following Al-Nassr's defeat to Al-Ahli in the same round.

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Bulayhi's future will be decided in the winter window, but for now the defensive rotation continues as Hilal eyes the summit.

Punchline 1: Inzaghi's bench rotation is so relentless that even the scoreboard needs a vacation.

Punchline 2: If Hilal tops the table, the transfer rumors will file for overtime—this league never sleeps.