Simone Inzaghi confirms Al Hilal rotation plan as fixture schedule intensifies

Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi says he will rotate his squad as the Saudi league leaders face a demanding run of fixtures.

Inzaghi’s side are preparing to host Al Hazem on Monday in the 10th round of the Saudi league, with the club scheduled to play six matches in 18 days before the November international break.

“We are looking to rotate the squad because we have a large number of matches to play,” Inzaghi said in comments reported by the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah.

The Italian was also asked about the fitness of Al Hilal winger Salem Al-Dawsari, who has missed the team’s recent matches against Al Sadd and Al-Ittihad.

“Salem was ready for the last match, but he suffered a minor injury which prevented him from playing against Al Sadd and, before that, against Al-Ittihad,” said Inzaghi.

Asked whether Al-Dawsari would return to the starting line-up, Inzaghi said a decision had not yet been made.

“We will see. We have a squad that is fully prepared. Sultan Mandash is working hard, Salem’s return is important, Kader Keita is ready to play, and Nawaf Al-Habashi has been working exceptionally hard in training,” he said.

Inzaghi said Al Hilal had spent the past three days preparing specifically for the challenge posed by Al Hazem, and warned that their opponents’ position should not be taken as an indication of their quality.

“Al Hazem have a coach who has been working with them for a long time, and they are an organised team. They lost their previous match despite producing a very strong performance,” he said.

Al Hilal have collected 21 points and sit second in the table, one point behind leaders Al-Qadsiah.

They have scored 26 goals in their matches so far this season. Their ninth-round fixture against Al-Riyadh was postponed and will now be played in December.