Inzaghi explains early Sabri Dahl substitution and gives Salem Al-Dawsari injury update

Simone Inzaghi says Sabri Dahl was taken off early to avoid the young midfielder receiving a second yellow card as Al Hilal beat Shabab Al Ahli 2-0 in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The Saudi Arabian side secured victory at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Tuesday, making it three wins from four matches in the league phase of the competition.

Dahl was substituted in the 28th minute, with right-back Mohammed Al-Mahzari brought on in his place. The decision raised questions during the match, but Inzaghi said it was a precaution after the player had already been booked.

“We were very good in the match against a team that had won its first three games,” Inzaghi said at his post-match news conference, in comments reported by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

“We controlled the game and achieved a victory that represents a step forward.

“All the players were excellent, including Sabri Dahl. After he received a yellow card, I replaced him so that we would not risk him receiving a red card. He is a young and promising player, and I encourage him to work harder.”

Inzaghi also said the decision formed part of his plan to rotate the squad amid a demanding run of fixtures.

“The players delivered a wonderful performance, and today I wanted to rotate some of them because of the pressure of the matches,” he added.

Al Hilal were without several players, including Ruben Neves, Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville and Salem Al-Dawsari. Inzaghi said the team remained pleased with its overall display, while continuing to work on defending set-pieces.

“We had some absences, Ruben Neves, Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville and Salem Al-Dawsari, but overall we are happy with the performance,” he said.

“We are constantly working to improve the way we deal with set-pieces.”

The Italian manager hopes Salem Al-Dawsari and the club’s other injured players will be available after the international break.

“We hope Salem Al-Dawsari will be available to us after the break, along with the rest of the injured players,” Inzaghi said.

Al-Dawsari has started only one match this season and has made two further appearances as a substitute. His involvement has been restricted by an injury sustained after the 2026 World Cup, which recently returned.

Al Hilal are second in the West section of the AFC Champions League Elite with nine points from four matches, having recorded three victories and one defeat. They are three points behind leaders Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates.