Salem Al-Dawsari included in Al Hilal squad for Al-Ittihad classic

Simone Inzaghi has included Salem Al-Dawsari in the Al Hilal squad for Saturday’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al-Ittihad, although the forward is expected to begin the match on the bench.

Al Hilal host their traditional rivals at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh the day after tomorrow, Saturday, in the headline fixture of round eight of the Roshn Saudi League.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya, Al-Dawsari has been cleared to return to the squad after recovering from the injury that had kept him out of action. Inzaghi is understood to be planning to use the 35-year-old as a substitute, with the possibility of bringing him on if his services are required during the game.

Al-Dawsari, known as “The Tornado”, has not played for Al Hilal since the start of the current season. His absence followed an injury sustained while representing Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The winger underwent surgery on a knee tendon in Finland in July. He then completed a rehabilitation programme which continued until last Thursday, when he returned to full team training.

His return comes as Al Hilal face increased competition on the left wing. The club have signed Brazil international Gabriel Martinelli and Netherlands international Crysencio Summerville in that position, making it difficult for Al-Dawsari to regain an immediate place in the starting line-up.

The decision to include him against Al-Ittihad nevertheless provides Al Hilal with another attacking option for a fixture between two of Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs.