The absence of Salem Al-Dawsari and Leonardo threatens Al-Hilal before the Al-Ahli derby
The technical staff of Al-Hilal Saudi Club, led by Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, received a major blow just hours before their highly anticipated match against Al-Ahli, a top fixture in the Saudi Professional League. The Riyadh-based club officially announced yesterday (Saturday) that star players Salem Al-Dawsari and Brazilian Marcos Leonardo would miss team training, casting serious doubt on their availability for tomorrow's (Monday's) "Clásico.".
Details of the injury and the official statement
Al-Hilal's official Twitter account (formerly known as "X") announced that key attacking duo Salem Al-Dawsari and Marcos Leonardo were unable to participate in the team's main training session due to sudden illnesses, specifically the flu. This news poses a significant challenge to coach Jesus's plans, especially as Al-Dawsari is a cornerstone of the team and a key playmaker.
A glimmer of hope in defense: Koulibaly's return
Meanwhile, training brought good news for Al-Hilal fans amidst their concerns about the attack, as veteran Senegalese defender Kalidou Coulibaly participated in the first part of the group training session. The club indicated that Coulibaly will complete his pre-arranged rehabilitation program, increasing his chances of being available to bolster the defense against Al-Ahli's potent attack, which could restore balance to the team's lineup in this crucial match.
The importance of El Clásico and the impact of absences
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ahli match holds immense importance, transcending its status as a mere three-pointer. It represents a historic "classic" between the two giants of Riyadh and Jeddah, attracting a massive following both regionally and internationally, especially given the significant growth of Saudi football and its attraction of global stars. The absence of a player of Salem Al-Dawsari's caliber, a former Asian Player of the Year, could deprive Al-Hilal of crucial individual and collective options in the attacking third, potentially forcing the coaching staff to make fundamental tactical adjustments to compensate for this deficiency.
The battle for the top spot and the league standings
Al-Hilal enters this match sitting atop the Saudi Professional League standings with 46 points, having delivered consistently high-level performances throughout the season. However, the points difference is not substantial enough to be complacent, as they are only three points ahead of their closest rivals, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli, who occupy second and third place respectively. This match is considered a "six-pointer," as a victory for Al-Hilal would solidify their lead and widen the gap, while a slip-up could reignite the title race and open the door for Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr to close the gap and move closer to the top.
