Al Hilal welcome key returns as Ollie Watkins targets Al Ahli debut

Al Hilal are set to have several important players available for Tuesday’s postponed Roshn Saudi League meeting with Al Ahli, while new signing Ollie Watkins could make his first appearance for the club in the eagerly awaited classic.

The match, which was originally scheduled as part of the third round of the competition, is expected to provide Italian manager Simone Inzaghi with a stronger squad and more options across the pitch. Al Hilal have received positive indications about the fitness of a number of players ahead of one of the most demanding fixtures of the season.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah, Simon Boabri and Hassan Tambakti are both now ready to feature against Al Ahli. Their availability gives Inzaghi additional choices as he prepares his side for the rearranged fixture.

Tambakti’s return is particularly significant for Al Hilal. The Saudi international defender has been absent in recent weeks, and his return could help provide greater stability and defensive strength. Boabri’s fitness, meanwhile, offers the manager another option before a match that is regarded as one of the campaign’s major tests.

The positive squad news comes as Al Hilal consider whether to hand Watkins his debut following the club’s official announcement that they had signed the England forward from Aston Villa on a three-year contract.

Watkins is expected to become one of the main attacking players on whom Al Hilal will rely during the next stage of the season. A first appearance against Al Ahli would give supporters an immediate opportunity to watch their new signing in a high-profile contest.

The forward’s possible involvement has attracted particular attention because his debut could come in a major fixture rather than a less demanding introduction. Al Hilal’s supporters are therefore waiting to see how Watkins is used and whether he can provide an added threat in attack from the outset.

Inzaghi will hope the return of Tambakti and Boabri, together with the potential presence of Watkins, can help Al Hilal produce a strong performance and claim three points. The classic is an important opportunity for the club to strengthen its position in the Roshn Saudi League, while the manager aims to make full use of all the players available to him.

Al Hilal’s preparations follow the club’s recent confirmation of Watkins’ arrival from Aston Villa. The signing has also prompted wider speculation around Al Ahli forward Karim Benzema, with the original report highlighting uncertainty over his situation.

The fixture has generated significant interest among supporters, who can discuss the latest developments and football news in greater depth on the Kooora forums. Tickets for Roshn Saudi League matches are also being promoted ahead of the upcoming games.