Núñez's Comeback Could Spark Al Hilal’s Fire Against Al Fateh

Núñez’s status ahead of Al Fateh clash

The Uruguayan Darwin Núñez, a forward for Al Hilal, awaits his Italian coach Simone Inzaghi's decision regarding his involvement in the upcoming Al Fateh match in the Saudi Pro League.

Al Hilal hosts Al Fateh, Saturday, at the Kingdom Arena, in Round 9 of the Roshen Pro League.

Key tactical angles and the road ahead

The status of Núñez had not yet been decided by Inzaghi; the coach will make the final call about including the Uruguayan in the matchday squad at the technical meeting preceding the game.

The Saudi newspaper 'Al-Riyadia' reported that Inzaghi will decide whether to include Núñez in the matchday squad during the technical meeting before kick-off.

Nuñez has recovered from his recent injury that sidelined him for several games, having undergone intensive rehab and returning to first-team training on Tuesday before taking part in group training on Wednesday.

Before his absence, Inzaghi relied on Núñez as the left winger beside Brazilian striker Marcus Leonardo, to compensate for captain Salem Al-Dawsari's injury.

After Al-Dawsari recovered, Núñez returned to the left wing, with Leonardo continuing as the lone forward.

The return of Núñez underscored how the team regains one of its most potent attacking weapons.

The absence of Núñez meant that the team began pressing from a distance; now the coach knows the ball can return more quickly once the player advances toward the ball carrier, increasing the value of his return in matches that require a decisive moment.

Al Hilal had shown struggles converting chances despite possession and repeated creating opportunities.

A player like Núñez can convert half chances, reinvigorating the team with his movement, aerial prowess, pace, and delivery that unsettles defenses.

Even in the dressing room, Núñez's presence sparks competition, pushing substitutes and rivals to prove themselves. This spirit is what elevates the team’s overall pace and makes the blue-sky period ahead more promising.

Thus his return gives the staff a meaningful tactical edge going into the decisive period.

And so, it wasn’t just a training update; it was a pivotal step that could empower Al Hilal to impose its attacking identity, more balanced than before, with Núñez ready to shoulder the load again.

Tough challenges

With the international break nearly over, Al Hilal faces one of the toughest phases of the season.

The team that has delivered strong performances since the start now confronts a heavy schedule, demanding competition across all competitions, while expectations from fans and management rise after summer signings.

Al Hilal enters the coming phase knowing how tight the margin for error has become, and that every match could decide a long race. The Saudi league championship is not easy this season, with several contenders in the mix and a host of stars across each squad.

The team must maintain its high rhythm and seize easy points, while leveraging the return of injured players, foremost Darwin Núñez, to counter potential fatigue among key players.

In Asia's Champions League, the club targets glory this season, not only for continental prestige but also to make amends for previous disappointments. The competition demands peak readiness, both mentally and physically, and precise management of energy across the squad, especially against teams relying on physicality, pace, and rapid transitions.

Inzaghi’s tactical plan now emphasizes building from the back and using the flanks, where Núñez’s bursts pull defenders away and create space for Leonardo.

Without his sharp movement, the attack sometimes stalls; his return could rekindle quick exchanges and let Salem drop deeper while exploiting behind-the-defense gaps.

Saturday’s clash with Al Fateh is a test of adaptability, a chance to prove the system works under pressure and to collect three points before a run of demanding fixtures.

In Asia, the Champions League adds fatigue management, requiring rotation, smart travel recovery, and the belief that timing and teamwork can beat pure speed.

Managers stress balance between attacking risk and defensive discipline as the season wears on; Núñez’s involvement could be the key.

Punchline: If Núñez scores, the crowd forgets the travel—until the bus schedule hits.

Punchline 2: Sniper mode activated—he aims for the net, not the neighbors’ popcorn.