Al-Dawsari returns to Al Hilal starting XI as Inzaghi rotates for Al Shamal

Salem Al-Dawsari will make his first start of the season for Al Hilal when they visit Qatar’s Al Shamal in the AFC Champions League Elite on Tuesday.

The match will be played at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor as Al Hilal begin the third round of the league phase. The Saudi club have won both of their opening matches and sit fourth in the West section with six points, while Al Shamal are 11th with two points from two draws.

Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi has named a much-changed side, with captain Al-Dawsari the most notable inclusion. The forward has made only two substitute appearances this season after undergoing surgery following his involvement with the Saudi Arabia national team at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Al-Dawsari will lead an attack made up largely of reserve players, alongside Ivory Coast forward Mohammed Kader Meite and Sabri Dahl. His return to the starting line-up represents his first competitive start for the club during the current campaign.

Mohammed Kanno is one of the few regular first-team players retained in the XI. He will operate in midfield with Murad Hawsawi and French midfielder Simon Buabri.

The defensive line features Moteb Al-Harbi at right-back and French international Theo Hernandez on the left. Ali Lajami and Turkey’s Yusuf Akcicek will form the central partnership in front of goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais.

Al Hilal’s starting line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al Owais

Defenders: Moteb Al-Harbi, Ali Lajami, Yusuf Akcicek, Theo Hernandez

Midfielders: Mohammed Kanno, Murad Hawsawi, Simon Buabri

Forwards: Sabri Dahl, Mohammed Kader Meite, Salem Al-Dawsari

The club are also scheduled to face Al Fateh in the Saudi Roshn League on 31 October 2026. Their listed AFC Champions League Elite fixtures include a meeting with Esteghlal on 3 November 2026, as well as Tuesday’s game against Al Shamal.