Inzaghi turns to Al Hilal Under-21s ahead of Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Ittihad

Simone Inzaghi has called on Al Hilal’s Under-21 squad to help prepare the team for their Saudi Pro League clasico against Al-Ittihad, with a long list of first-team players absent during the international break.

Al Hilal will host Al-Ittihad at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on 10 October in the standout fixture of matchweek eight. The meeting brings together the league’s top two sides, with Al Hilal currently leading the table on 18 points, one point clear of Al-Ittihad in second.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah, Al Hilal resumed preparations on Tuesday after a nine-day break during the current international window. A number of Under-21 players joined the first-team training group to cover the significant number of absences.

Seven Al Hilal players are away with Saudi Arabia’s squad for the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup: Mohammed Al Owais, Hassan Tambakti, Mutab Al Harbi, Mohammed Al Mazari, Nasser Al Dawsari, Mohammed Kanno and Sultan Mandash.

The club is also without several overseas players who have joined their national teams. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly, France midfielder Saimon Boabbari, Netherlands forward Crysencio Summerville, Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves and Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are all unavailable during the international break.

Al Hilal will be looking to extend their winning run against Al-Ittihad and maintain their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League when the sides meet. The match is expected to be one of the defining fixtures of the early league season given the narrow gap between the two clubs.

Al Hilal’s Under-21 side currently sit fourth in the Jooy Elite League with 10 points from three wins, one draw and one defeat. They are three points behind leaders Al-Ittihad, who top the competition’s standings.

The involvement of the Under-21 players gives Inzaghi additional options while the senior squad is depleted by international duty. The youngsters will therefore form part of Al Hilal’s preparations for a match in which the league leaders will attempt to strengthen their advantage over their closest rivals.