The reason for Benzema's absence from the Al-Hilal vs. Shabab Al-Ahli match in the Asian Champions League
Asian football fans will be glued to their screens on Monday evening as Al Hilal travels to Dubai's Al Rashid Stadium to face Shabab Al Ahli in the seventh round of the AFC Champions League group stage. Amidst these preparations, it has been officially confirmed that star striker Karim Benzema will miss the highly anticipated match for Al Hilal, a fact that has dominated sporting circles in recent hours.
The reason for Benzema's absence and the Asian regulations
The absence of veteran French striker Karim Benzema from Al-Hilal's squad is due to the Asian Football Confederation's regulations. The tournament rules stipulate that no player can represent two different clubs in the same stage of the competition. Given Benzema's previous participation with his former club, Al-Ittihad, in earlier matches of the current edition, he is legally ineligible to wear Al-Hilal's jersey for the remainder of the group stage matches. Benzema is scheduled to make his Asian debut for "The Boss" starting from the Round of 16, a moment eagerly anticipated by fans hoping he will bolster the team's attacking prowess in the crucial knockout stages.
Inzaghi's preparations and available alternatives
On the technical front, Al-Hilal coach Inzaghi is putting the final touches on his tactical plan for the upcoming match. The coaching staff is looking to compensate for Benzema's absence by relying on young players and ready substitutes. Simon Bouabre and Mohamed Kader Meite have been confirmed as part of the squad that will face Shabab Al-Ahli and Al-Wahda of the UAE in the final group stage matches. The team will hold a key training session this evening, during which Inzaghi will focus on implementing the appropriate tactical approach and selecting the starting lineup capable of securing a victory.
Al-Hilal and the top spot in the iron group
Al-Hilal enters this match in a very comfortable position, sitting atop the West Zone group with a perfect record. The team has amassed 18 points from six consecutive victories, reflecting the absolute dominance of the Saudi giants in the tournament so far. Despite already securing qualification, coach Inzaghi and his squad are looking to extend their winning streak and achieve a seventh consecutive victory, confirming their readiness to compete for the continental title and sending a strong message to the other contenders in Asia.
