Inzaghi plans flexible wide roles for Martinelli and Summerville at Al Hilal

Simone Inzaghi says Gabriel Martinelli and Crysencio Summerville will be rotated between the wings as Al Hilal seek to make the most of two players who are more accustomed to operating on the left.

Martinelli made his first appearance for the Saudi Arabian club as a substitute in Friday’s 2-0 Riyadh derby victory over Al Shabab at SHG Arena. The result was Al Hilal’s fifth successive win in the Roush Saudi League and kept them top of the table after five matches.

Asked at his post-match news conference who would occupy the right-wing position in future games, Inzaghi said both players were comfortable on that side.

“Both players can play on the right side very comfortably,” said the Al Hilal manager.

“Today we brought Martinelli on the right and, after Sabri Dahil came on, I sent him to the left. They will switch between the two positions in the coming matches.”

The former Arsenal forward was introduced during the second half as Al Hilal maintained their perfect start to the league campaign. Inzaghi’s team now have 15 points, three clear of second-placed Al Nassr, who face a difficult league clasico against Al Ittihad on Saturday.

Inzaghi also indicated that Al Hilal could still strengthen before the transfer window closes, with defensive cover the club’s main concern.

“The market is still open, the sporting department is doing a great job in the transfer market, and we have a need in defence. We are working on that,” he said.

The Italian was pleased with the way his team responded after their previous fixture against Al Ahli, saying the players had been required to cope with the physical demands of another difficult match.

“We were very focused, started strongly and controlled the game. We came back from the Al Ahli match with our energy drained, and today we faced a very strong team in midfield and attack,” Inzaghi said.

He also discussed the problems Al Hilal have faced at right-back. Mohammed Al-Makhzari has been used to cover the position, while Hamad Al-Yami is still awaiting a return.

“We have had some difficulties at right-back. I have been watching Mohammed Al-Makhzari since last season and he has covered a lot of the shortage in this position. He is a great player who gives everything,” Inzaghi added.

“We are waiting for Hamad Al-Yami to return. We are also working on preparing Sabri Dahil to play in the same position, although he is a right-winger.”

Hassan Tambakti was substituted during the match, but Inzaghi said the defender’s withdrawal was not linked to a fresh injury. Tambakti had been out for two months and had completed only five training sessions before returning to the matchday squad.

“After his two-month injury, he took part in five training sessions. He wanted to play against Al Ahli, but he played today. His substitution was not because of an injury, only fatigue,” said Inzaghi.

Al Hilal are also without injured defender Ali Lajami. Inzaghi said the club hoped he would return soon and confirmed that Mishal Al-Dawoud was among the players being used to help cover the shortage in defence.

“Ali Lajami is injured. We hope he returns as quickly as possible. We have difficulties in defence and are trying to cover the shortage, and we have Mishal Al-Dawoud,” he said.