Al Hilal leave Simon Boabri out of Neom squad in Simone Inzaghi’s tactical decision

Elikplim Bokor September 07, 2026

Al Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi has left French winger Simon Boabri out of the club’s eight-player foreign contingent for Monday’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Neom, with the decision described as tactical.

The league leaders face Neom in the sixth round of the Saudi Pro League as they look to maintain their perfect start to the season. Al Hilal sit top of the table with a maximum 15 points after winning each of their opening five matches.

According to Al-Riyadiya, Inzaghi has decided not to include Boabri in the matchday list, while Abdullah Al-Anazi has also been omitted. The report states that both exclusions were made according to the Italian manager’s technical assessment ahead of the fixture.

Boabri’s absence means he will not be part of the group of eight foreign players selected for the game against Neom. The decision comes as Inzaghi finalises his plans for a match that will give Al Hilal the opportunity to extend their winning run and preserve their position at the summit.

Before the team leaves for the stadium, Inzaghi is expected to hold a meeting with the players. The purpose of that gathering will be to explain the tactical approach and the style of play Al Hilal will use against Neom.

The manager will then announce the starting line-up for the match.

The meeting with Neom is the latest challenge for Al Hilal during a league campaign in which they have taken maximum points from the first five rounds. Their current position at the top of the Saudi Pro League table reflects that unbeaten start, while Inzaghi’s selection decisions will determine the make-up of the squad for Monday’s fixture.

The omission of Boabri and Al-Anazi has therefore been made before the final team is confirmed, with the pair excluded from the foreign-player matchday list in line with Inzaghi’s technical judgement. Further details of the starting line-up are expected after the pre-match meeting and before the team’s departure for the stadium.