Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly suspended for Asian Champions League opener

Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly will not be available for Al Hilal when they take on Al Duhail in the Asian Champions League opener.

The rock-solid defender is suspended for the much-anticipated clash scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2025 after being sent off in the continental championship final against Al-Ahli Jeddah last season.

However, Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi has settled on Turkish defender Yusuf Akçiçek as replacement for the Senegalese.

Inzaghi has decided to field Yusuf Akçiçek, highlighting his technical and physical readiness to participate normally for Al Hilal.

Koulibaly joined the Saudi Pro League outfit in summer 2023 from Chelsea and has since established himself as a key member of the team.

His absence for the high-stake clash could affect Al Hilal, considering his wealth of experience in the game. This season, the experienced defender has made two appearances in the Saudi Pro League for Al Hilal.

At the international level, Koulibaly has 83 appearances for the Senegal national team, scoring just once.