English Premier League
Inzaghi calls on Al Hilal Under-21s ahead of Al-Ittihad Saudi Pro League clash
Simone Inzaghi has turned to Al Hilal’s Under-21 squad as the Saudi Pro League leaders begin preparations for their eagerly anticipated meeting with Al-Ittihad.
The Riyadh club will host Al-Ittihad at Kingdom Arena on 10 October in the standout fixture of matchweek eight. The game will bring together the top two sides in the league, with Al Hilal currently leading on 18 points, one ahead of Al-Ittihad in second.
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Al Hilal resumed training on Tuesday after a nine-day break during the current international window.
A number of Under-21 players have joined the first-team squad to cover for the extensive absences affecting Inzaghi’s side. The young players normally compete in the Jowy Elite League.
Al Hilal are without Mohammed Al Owais, Hassan Tambakti, Moteb Al Harbi, Mohammed Mahzari, Nasser Al Dawsari, Mohammed Kanno and Sultan Mandash, who are away with the Saudi Arabia squad at the Arabian Gulf Cup “Gulf 27”.
Al Hilal and Al-Ittihad separated by one point
The club’s international contingent also includes Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly, France midfielder Saimon Bouabre, Netherlands forward Crysencio Summerville, Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves and Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
All six are unavailable while representing their national teams during the international break, further reducing the options available to Inzaghi before the derby.
Al Hilal will approach the fixture seeking another victory to maintain their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League. Al-Ittihad, who sit directly behind them, are currently within one point of the leaders.
The match is expected to be one of the defining fixtures of the early league season, with both clubs occupying the top two places before the eighth round.
Al Hilal’s Under-21 team are also competing near the top of their league. They are fourth in the Jowy Elite League with 10 points from three wins, one draw and one defeat.
They trail leaders Al-Ittihad by three points, meaning the two clubs are also separated by a narrow margin at Under-21 level.