Al-Hilal assess midfield and wide options ahead of Al-Fateh test

Al-Hilal are set to welcome back two important players for Saturday’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al-Fateh as Simone Inzaghi looks to restore momentum following their surprise Asian defeat.

The Riyadh club were beaten 3-1 by Qatar’s Al Shamal in the AFC Champions League Elite on Tuesday, but expects to have more selection options available for the league fixture on 31 October 2026.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is in line to return after missing the defeat by Al Shamal because of muscular fatigue. The Serbia midfielder underwent physical tests which showed he is fully fit to play in the coming matches, according to sources cited by sports newspaper Al-Riyadiyah.

Those tests have reportedly strengthened Inzaghi’s intention to include Milinkovic-Savic against Al-Fateh. His availability would provide a significant boost in midfield after Al-Hilal suffered their latest setback in continental competition.

Crescencio Summerville will also be available for selection after serving a suspension in the match against Al Shamal. The Netherlands forward’s return gives Inzaghi another option in attack as he prepares his side for Saturday’s encounter.

The manager must, however, decide who will replace Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli, who is suffering from a hamstring injury. Salem Al-Dawsari and Sultan Mandash are competing for the vacant position.

Inzaghi is expected to make that decision during Friday’s training session, with the final preparations set to determine which of the two players starts against Al-Fateh.

Al-Hilal’s preparations therefore centre on both the return of Milinkovic-Savic and Summerville and the choice between Al-Dawsari and Mandash. The club will hope those decisions help them respond quickly to the 3-1 loss and return to winning ways in the Saudi Pro League.