Malcolm sidelined as Al Hilal eye Sharjah clash: rest, regroup, and re-aim

Match context

Al Hilal Saudi Club announced that their Brazilian winger Malcolm will miss today’s team training session as part of preparations for the upcoming match against Sharjah in the Elite AFC Champions League.

Hilal will travel to Sharjah on Monday for the sixth round of the group stage, a fixture in which the Boss hopes to extend their strong form and strengthen their grip on top spot.

According to an official statement, Malcolm’s absence came after a stomach illness, with the medical and technical staff opting to rest him. His status for the match will be assessed in the coming hours under coach Italian Simone Inzaghi.

Malcolm has appeared for Hilal this season in 11 matches across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing four assists in 909 minutes, making him one of the most influential attackers in the squad.

Separately, training saw Hamad Al-Yami participate for a portion of the session before continuing his rehabilitation program on his own, signaling his gradual return to action.

Hilal top their Elite AFC Champions League group with 15 points after booking a place in the next round, while Sharjah sit seventh with 7 points ahead of the eagerly awaited showdown.

Punchlines: If flu were a tactic, the bench would be full. And if goals ever miss Malcolm, the crowd would blame gravity for being offside.