Malcoms Al Hilal future uncertain as title campaign opens against Al-Faisaly

Malcom has been included in Al Hilal’s squad for their opening Saudi Pro League fixture despite continued speculation linking the Brazilian winger with a move away from the club this summer.

Al Hilal host newly promoted Al-Faisaly at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Friday evening as both sides begin their Saudi Pro League campaigns.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Al Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi has decided to include Malcom in the final matchday squad. However, it remains unclear whether the 28-year-old will start the game or be used as a substitute.

Malcom’s selection comes amid growing uncertainty over his future in Saudi Arabia. The winger has been linked with a possible move to Al-Diriyah, who are reportedly interested in signing him.

There is also interest in Malcom from clubs in Brazil, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, although no agreement over a transfer has been reported.

Al Hilal will nevertheless be without two other foreign players for the fixture. Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez and Portugal full-back Joao Cancelo have both been left out of the squad, with no reason given for their omission.

The pair have also been associated with departures from Al Hilal during the current summer transfer window. Barcelona want to sign Cancelo on a permanent basis, while Nunez is reportedly close to joining Turkish club Trabzonspor.

Their absence adds to the uncertainty surrounding Al Hilal’s squad at the start of the new campaign, while Malcom’s inclusion gives Inzaghi the option of using him in the club’s first league match of the season.

Al Hilal are aiming to reclaim the Saudi Pro League title after failing to win the competition in either of the past two seasons. The club will begin that challenge at home against an Al-Faisaly side hoping to make an immediate impact after securing promotion.

Al-Faisaly’s priority will be to produce a surprise result and claim at least one point from their first match back in the Saudi Pro League. For Al Hilal, the fixture represents the first opportunity to begin their attempt to restore domestic success.

The match will take place at Kingdom Arena in the Saudi capital, with attention also focused on whether Malcom is given a starting role, remains on the bench or makes a late appearance as the club’s transfer situation continues to develop.