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Overseas Camp Strategy: Al Hilal Sets up a Winter Break Reset and a Prelude to the Najmah Clash

7 November 2025

Overseas Camp Strategy: Al Hilal Sets up a Winter Break Reset and a Prelude to the Najmah Clash
Al Hilal eyes a strategic overseas camp ahead of the Arab Cup break.

Overview

Italian coach Simone Inzaghi is plotting to squeeze every advantage from the Arab Cup break by staging an overseas training camp for Al Hilal. The aim is to sharpen tactical discipline, give fringe players more minutes, and implement a tailored nutrition program during the pause.

Arab Cup Context and Pre-Season Friendlies

Saudi Arabia is drawn into Group B of the Arab Cup, alongside Morocco, the winner of Oman vs Somalia, and the winner of Comoros vs Yemen. The team will use the Jeddah camp from 9 to 18 November to play two friendlies, first against Ivory Coast on Friday 14 November at Al-Inma Stadium and then vs Algeria on 18 November at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium.

Overseas Camp Plan and Squad News

Saudi daily Al-Riyadia reported that Al Hilal's management has chosen the United Arab Emirates as the host country for the preparatory camp during the Arab Cup break. Abu Dhabi or Al Ain are being considered, with the camp including training sessions, friendly fixtures, and a bespoke dietary program for players.

In addition, the team is gearing up for the upcoming clash with Al Najma in the eighth round of the Saudi Pro League. Inzaghi is expected to rotate the squad, with several players sidelined by suspension or injury—Kalidou Koulibaly is out after a red card, while Darwin Nunez is undergoing rehabilitation.

Ali Lagami has been ruled out for four to six weeks due to a hamstring tear; Hassan Tambakti has been declared fit to face Al Najma, and Milinkovic-Savic has returned to training after a knee issue. The squad also includes a few 2004-born prospects such as a young goalkeeper and two outfield players to gain minutes.

Refereeing the Al Najma game will be Spanish official Alejandro Munoz, with Diego Sanchez as assistant and a fourth official plus VAR staff named. Al Hilal currently sits third in the league with 17 points from five wins and two draws, while Al Najma occupy the bottom of the table. Milinkovic-Savic’s return adds depth in midfield as the calendar tightens.

Two notes: Sidelined players and returning stars shape selection, while a travel squad includes youth and experience. The poster line remains a club with high ambitions, even if the border between ambition and budget-practicality sometimes feels razor-thin.

Punchlines: If football were a puzzle, this camp would be the edge piece—the one that keeps the whole picture from wobbling. And if tactics were coffee, Inzaghi’s plan would be a double espresso: potent, aromatic, and likely to wake the neighbors in the stands.

Author

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the overseas camp planned and where will it be held?

The team is eyeing an overseas camp in the United Arab Emirates during the Arab Cup break, with Abu Dhabi or Al Ain as possible venues, ahead of the December pause.

Which friendlies are scheduled in Jeddah?

Al Hilal will play two warm-up matches in Jeddah: against Ivory Coast on November 14 at Al-Inma Stadium and against Algeria on November 18 at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium.

Who are the major absences for the Najma game?

Kalidou Koulibaly is suspended, Darwin Nunez is undergoing rehab, and Ali Lagami is out four to six weeks with a hamstring tear.

Who is returning or being included in the squad?

Hassan Tambakti is deemed fit for the Najma match; Serge Milinkovic-Savic has returned to team drills, and a group of younger players born in 2004+ is included for minutes.