Captain's Comeback Lights Up Riyadh Derby Showdown
6 January 2026
Captain back in training ahead of Riyadh Derby
Al Hilal delivered good news to its fans days before the eagerly awaited Riyadh derby with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
The clash is set for Monday, January 12, at the Kingdom Arena, and it will mark the 15th round of domestic action.
Team news and context
The club announced on X that captain Salem Al-Dosari has rejoined training and is ready for the clash with Al Hazm, a final tune-up before the derby.
He had suffered a hip knock at the end of December, raising concerns among fans about his readiness for the big game.
Al-Dosari's return boosted the team's top position, 32 points, one clear ahead of second-placed Al Nassr.
With the title race tight, expectations are high and the arena could explode.
Punchline: Derby days are a reminder that coffee prices rise faster than goals.
