Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi has finalised his foreign player selection for the team's upcoming Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Khaleej, according to Saudi newspaper Al Yaum.
The Italian manager's decision on which overseas players will feature in the match was reported by the outlet on Thursday. The specific composition of the list was not detailed in the available reporting.
The match marks Al-Hilal's fourth visit to the Eastern Province during the month of August in the past 17 years, as reported by Al Arabiya. This stat underlines the relatively rare scheduling pattern that has brought the Riyadh-based club to the region multiple times this month.
In a separate development, French striker Karim Benzema will miss the encounter due to back pain, according to Asharq Al-Awsat and Al Riyadh newspaper. Benzema's absence was confirmed ahead of the match, though the severity and expected recovery timeline were not specified in the reports.
The match also carries significance for Al-Khaleej's coaching staff. Al Riyadiya newspaper noted that Al-Khaleej's coach, referred to as Kovac in the reporting, has overseen 20 matches in Saudi football, during which five of his players were sent off. The statistic offers context on the disciplinary record associated with the current Al-Khaleej setup.
With Benzema ruled out and Inzaghi's foreign player list now settled, attention turns to how both sides will approach the fixture. The match is expected to proceed as scheduled, with Al-Hilal aiming to maintain momentum in the league campaign.
