Nose, Three Eyes, and a Bright Return: Al Hilal Exhales as Malcolm Comes Back, While Injuries Hover Over the Rest

Malcolm's Return and the Road Ahead

Al Hilal received encouraging news about one of its injured players ahead of the international window, as coach Simone Inzaghi hopes to have the squad closer to full strength quickly.

Malcolm is nearing a return to full training with the group and could rejoin the attack in time for a demanding run of games.

The team is preparing to face Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, then Al Sadd in the elite AFC Champions League for the Elite, before visiting Al Ittihad in a highly anticipated Riyadh derby.

They are also set to meet Al Akhdoud in the King’s Cup last 16, finishing the month with the capital derby against Al Shabab at the Kingdom Arena.

According to reports, Malcolm is close to rejoining training with the squad after the rest period granted by the coaching staff, and will undergo a medical test to confirm readiness for normal training.

Malcolm missed the Akhdoud league match and the King’s Cup tie and the AFC Champions League Elite matchups, and he is said to be nearing a full return.

Three other players remain in rehab in the club medical facility: Joao Cancelo, Darwin Nunez, and Abdul Al Maliki, as they work back into team activity.

Cancelo is dealing with a hamstring issue, while Nunez and Al Maliki are managing knee problems, with no definite return date for either of them yet.

Al Hilal currently sits sixth in the Saudi Pro League with eight points after four rounds, while topping the Elite AFC Champions League group with two wins from two matches.

Malcolm's return could be a crucial boost during a busy period as coach Inzaghi looks to rely on him as a dangerous offensive option.

Malcolm has quickly established himself as a dangerous attacking weapon thanks to pace, skill, and his ability to both score and create.

Your typical movement between lines helps open space for teammates and gives the team flexibility either from wide positions or by cutting through the middle.

In the 2025-26 season he has already notched three goals and two decisive assists in three league games with high passing accuracy, while last season saw him feature in more than 40 matches across all competitions with 12 goals and 16 assists.

He has shown his impact in big matches, including a notable clash against Al Ahli that underscored his importance to the side.

Despite his value, keeping up high performance amid a heavy schedule remains a challenge, and he will need to limit occasional errors while staying focused on defensive duties when required.

Nevertheless, Malcolm's impact in the team's attacking framework remains undeniable, and he is expected to stay a key piece this season both domestically and continentally.

Looking ahead, the club hopes to see Nunez and Cancelo back soon, although Cancelo may need more time before being fully integrated into Inzaghi's plans.

Nunez joined Al Hilal in August 2025 from Liverpool on a three-year deal and has already made an immediate impact, scoring twice and delivering one assist in his first three league appearances.

He also scored his first AFC Champions League Elite goal against Al Duhail, as the team recovered from a slow start to post a positive result.

Numbers suggest Nunez adapted quickly, typically operating as a center forward capable of creating chances behind the defense and pressing opponents.

Cancelo, a Portuguese full back who often operates as a winger, has left a distinct mark on the right flank of the team since arriving from the Premier League.

Last season he appeared in 30 matches across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing 11 assists, while balancing defensive duties with his offensive contributions.

His ability to join the attack and deliver chances, together with his accurate passing, makes him one of the go-to options for diversifying play from wide areas while maintaining link with the midfield and attack.

In short, the squad relies on a healthy Malcolm and the return of Nunez and Cancelo to navigate a packed calendar and keep the ambition high for both league and continental glory.

Punchline 1: If football tactics were a sniper rifle, these lineups would still need a bipod and a strong coffee.

Punchline 2: When the sidelines get crowded, the ball finds Malcolm faster than a rumor finds a tabloid photographer.