Al Hilal rule out three players for Al Ahli clash as Ollie Watkins faces fitness doubt

Simone Inzaghi has left three Al Hilal players out of Tuesday’s postponed Saudi Pro League fixture against Al Ahli, while the availability of new signing Ollie Watkins remains uncertain.

Defender Yusuf Akcicek, French forward Saimon Bouabre and midfielder Abdullah Al-Anazi will not be involved when Al Ahli travel to face Al Hilal in the match rearranged from the third round of the Saudi Pro League.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah, Akcicek has been excluded after suffering a minor knee bruise. The report did not indicate that the Turkey defender had sustained a more serious injury, but he will nevertheless miss the meeting with Al Ahli.

Bouabre has also been omitted from the squad, with his absence attributed to a lack of match readiness. Al-Anazi is the third player unavailable for Inzaghi’s side, although no further reason for his exclusion was given in the report.

Watkins has been named in the squad after joining Al Hilal from Aston Villa two days ago. However, his involvement in the fixture has not yet been confirmed. A decision on whether the England striker will play is expected to be made during the technical meeting Inzaghi will hold before the team leaves for the stadium.

The timing of Watkins’ arrival means he could make his first appearance for Al Hilal only two days after completing his move from Aston Villa. His selection in the travelling group keeps open the possibility of a debut, but final approval will depend on the coaching staff’s assessment before kick-off.

Tuesday’s game is a rearranged fixture from the third round of the Saudi Pro League. Al Ahli will be the visitors, with Al Hilal seeking to strengthen their position near the top of the table despite having played one match fewer than some of their rivals.

Al Hilal currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League with nine points. They are three points behind leaders Al Nassr and still have the postponed fixture against Al Ahli to play.

The match therefore gives Al Hilal the opportunity to reduce the gap to Al Nassr while completing one of their outstanding league fixtures. Inzaghi must do so with three players already ruled out and uncertainty surrounding whether Watkins is ready to take part after his recent transfer.

The technical meeting before the journey to the stadium will determine whether Watkins is cleared to feature. Until then, Al Hilal’s squad includes the former Aston Villa striker, but his participation against Al Ahli remains in doubt.