Inzaghi Shielding Cancelo: Al Hilal Ready, Bench Trio Under Watch
7 January 2026
Ahead of the Al Hazm clash
Italian coach Simone Inzaghi declared that Al Hilal are ready for the visit of Al Hazm in Round 14 of the Saudi Pro League.
In a pre-match press conference, Inzaghi described the capital club as facing a tough test against a steadily improving opponent today.
He added that the team has prepared well for the encounter, praising the opponent as very good and noting their improvement. The home fixture after two away games.
The Cancelo situation and the bench trio
Asked about the right-back situation, Inzaghi said Joao Cancelo is not an option for the night, and the club's leadership will strive to fix the issue that has troubled the squad in days.
Inzaghi's remarks echoed newspaper chatter in Spain about Cancelo possibly joining Barcelona on a loan deal during this January window.
Al Hilal host Al Hazm in Saudi Pro League Round 14, with the teams presented side by side.
Inzaghi also denied rumors that Ali Al Bulahi, Abdullah Al Hamdan, and Mohammed Al Qahtani are out of his plans, saying they remain part of the squad who train with the team and that negotiations are the responsibility of the administration.
He added that the transfer window interests everyone, but his focus remains on the Al Hazm match and the available forwards Kaiyo and Yusuf, plus goalkeeper Matthieu Batoy, who features in some games, and he thanks all players for their efforts.
He also spoke about the left center-back dilemma, insisting all three available options—Metab, Yusuf, and Al Bulhi—are capable, with Metab having filled in earlier and tomorrow's lineup still to be decided after today's training.
The coach's calm tone contrasted with the swirling rumours, and fans were reminded that football is a squad game, not a one-man show.
Punchline: If Cancelo leaves on loan, the defense will finally have something to talk about beyond clean sheets; and if the media keeps spinning, at least the ball will learn to travel.
