Inzaghi's Call Could Rewrite Al-Yami's Return: The Right-Back Battle at Al Hilal
16 December 2025
Inzaghi's Decision and Al-Yami's Comeback
Hamad Al-Yami, Al Hilal's right-back, is in the final phase of rehabilitation as Italian coach Simone Inzaghi weighs his possible return to the field for the Saudi club.
Al Hilal are preparing to face Sharjah of the United Arab Emirates on Monday, in the sixth round of the Elite AFC Champions League.
According to the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Yami is finishing the rehab process after a thigh muscle injury suffered in the November 14 league clash against Al-Nasr.
The report added that his participation will depend on Inzaghi, with the player expected to rejoin the squad for training in the coming days.
Al-Yami is up against a tough rival for the right-back slot in the form of Portuguese Joao Cancelo, who has only been registered for Asia after an earlier injury and is seen as likely to start if fit.
Al Hilal will also play a friendly against Neom tomorrow as part of the final preparations during the current break, with the Saudi squad taking part in the Arab Cup. The decision could tilt the race for the right-back slot before the next match. Punchlines: 1) If Inzaghi needs more time, his whistle might beat the clock. 2) When in doubt, call it a wing move and pretend you planned it all along.
