Al-Hilal vs Al-Ittihad: Salem Al-Dawsari Injury Doubt Adds to Saudi Clasico Drama
Al-Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari is a major doubt for the eagerly anticipated Saudi Clasico against Al-Ittihad after a fresh foot problem disrupted his return to team training. The late fitness concern has added another layer of uncertainty to a fixture that could have a significant impact on the Roshn Saudi League title race.
Al-Hilal are due to host their traditional rivals at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena in the eighth round of the league. With the match approaching, the club confirmed that Al-Dawsari missed Friday evening’s group session after experiencing pain in a joint in his foot. He was assessed at the medical clinic at the Al-Majidiyah Sports Centre, leaving his availability for the Clasico in doubt.
Al-Dawsari’s comeback interrupted
The latest setback is particularly frustrating for Al-Dawsari, who has yet to play a minute for Al-Hilal this season. The Saudi international underwent surgery after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. His recovery has kept him out of the opening weeks of the domestic campaign.
There had been growing optimism that the captain was close to returning. Al-Dawsari rejoined group training last Thursday, and head coach Simone Inzaghi had indicated that he could be considered for the Al-Ittihad match, either in the starting lineup or as a substitute. Friday’s pain, however, has complicated those plans just as the team prepares for one of the season’s most closely watched fixtures.
Al-Hilal will be cautious about rushing their influential winger back before he is fully fit. Even if the injury proves minor, his lack of match practice is an important factor: a player returning from surgery may need time to rebuild sharpness and withstand the pace of competitive football. The club’s medical staff will therefore have to weigh the importance of the Clasico against the risk of aggravating the problem.
Milinkovic-Savic also faces a fitness test
Al-Dawsari is not the only key player whose status is uncertain. Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic completed only the first part of Friday’s team session before moving on to an individual rehabilitation programme. His condition will be another concern for Inzaghi as he finalizes his plans for the midfield battle.
Milinkovic-Savic’s potential absence could affect Al-Hilal’s balance in possession and their ability to compete physically in the center of the pitch. Against an Al-Ittihad side capable of pressing aggressively and attacking quickly, the availability of experienced midfielders may be crucial. The coaching staff will likely monitor both players closely before making a final decision.
Positive news for Al-Hilal’s defense
There was more encouraging news from Friday’s training session. French full-back Theo Hernandez and Saudi defender Ali Lajami both returned to group work, offering Inzaghi additional defensive options ahead of the Clasico. The pair had been absent since Al-Hilal’s 3-0 victory over Al-Ahli at the start of September, during the third round of the Roshn League.
Their return could provide a welcome boost, particularly if Al-Hilal have to cope without players elsewhere in the squad. Hernandez brings pace and attacking threat from the flank, while Lajami offers another domestic defensive option. Their fitness and readiness for match action will still need to be assessed, but taking part in full-team training is a positive step.
Saudi Clasico carries major league implications
The match is more than a rivalry contest: it could also reshape the top of the Saudi Pro League standings. Al-Hilal enter the fixture in third place with 18 points, one behind Al-Qadsiah and Al-Nassr. Both clubs above them have played an additional match, meaning a victory over Al-Ittihad would give Al-Hilal the opportunity to return to the summit, depending on the results and the league’s standings at kick-off.
That context raises the stakes for both teams. Al-Hilal will want to use home advantage at Kingdom Arena to maintain pressure on the leaders, while Al-Ittihad will be eager to disrupt their rivals’ title ambitions. In a match of this scale, momentum, discipline and the ability to manage pressure can matter as much as individual talent.
Al-Dawsari’s possible absence would be felt beyond the tactical setup. As captain and one of Saudi Arabia’s most recognizable footballers, he brings experience and leadership as well as creativity in wide areas. His movement and ability to make decisive contributions in important matches have made him a central figure for Al-Hilal. If he is unavailable, other attackers will need to shoulder more responsibility and provide the spark that the captain often supplies.
What to watch in the Clasico prediction
Any prediction for Al-Hilal vs Al-Ittihad must account for the late fitness news. Al-Hilal have the advantage of playing at home and could be strengthened by the returns of Hernandez and Lajami. However, uncertainty over Al-Dawsari and Milinkovic-Savic may influence the team’s attacking rhythm and midfield control. Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, will see the situation as an opportunity to test a potentially reshuffled opponent.
The final team sheets should reveal whether Al-Dawsari is fit enough to feature and whether Milinkovic-Savic can return to the matchday squad. Until then, Al-Hilal supporters will be waiting for an update on their captain, whose comeback has been delayed at a critical moment. Whatever the outcome, the Saudi Clasico promises high stakes, intense competition and a potentially important shift in the Roshn League title race.
