Karim Benzema Sparks a Bold Reboot as Inzaghi Overhauls Al Hilal for Al Najma Clash
6 March 2026
Lineup reshuffle and Benzema's return
The Italian coach Simone Inzaghi has reshaped Al Hilal's lineup with four changes for the Roshn Saudi League clash against Al Najma.
The manager brings Karim Benzema back to spearhead the attack after missing the last two league games with an injury.
Match details and team changes
Al Hilal hosts Al Najma on Friday at Kingdom Arena, in Round 25 of the Roshn Saudi League.
Inzaghi also brings back Salem Al-Dawsari and Brazilian Malcolm into the starting XI, after they started as substitutes in the previous game against Al Shabab.
The frontline trio from the last Riyadh derby—Sultan Mandesh, Frenchman Simon Boabri, and Brazilian Marcus Leonardo—will no longer be the starting trio.
Morad Housaoui steps into midfield in place of Ruben Neves, joining Mohammed Kanno and Serge Milinkovic-Savic.
This marks Housaoui's first league start for the club since his winter move from the Gulf region.
Hilal sits third in the table on 58 points, three behind leaders Al Nasr and one behind second-placed Al Ahli.
Al Najma sit bottom with eight points from one win, five draws and 18 defeats.
Starting XI for Al Hilal:
Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
Defence: Meteb Al-Harbi - Kalidou Koulibaly - Ali Laajami - Theo Hernandez
Midfield: Morad Housawi - Mohammed Kanno - Serge Milinkovic-Savic
Attack: Malcolm - Karim Benzema - Salem Al-Dawsari
