5 Big Absentees For Al Hilal Against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami- From Kalidou Koulibaly To Yassine Bounou

The soccer fever is about to rise in Riyadh, as the Saudi Pro League leader Al Hilal prepares to lock horns with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. As the MLS side is set to participate in this year’s Riyadh Season Cup, their clash against Cristiano Ronaldo’s AL Nassr and Al Hilal promises fireworks. But behind Al-Hilal’s formidable form, there lies a deeper concern. The Saudi giants will be without some of their key players, setting the stage for a challenging match against the mighty Miami side.

As the international competitions unfold across Africa and Asia, Al Hilal’s roster showcases notable absences. Let’s delve into the core of the Saudi club’s concerns and unveil the top 5 players who will remain absent for the clash.

Al Hilal set to miss five crucial players

Jorge Jesus’s men concluded 2023 with an extraordinary 20-game winning streak. Whereas, Inter Miami have faced unfortunate setbacks in their first two friendly fixtures. The collision of these two huge clubs is imminent, but a cloud of uncertainty looms over the Al Hilal camp. Here are the few stars who’ll miss the Riyadh Season Cup clash:

Neymar Jr.

The first and foremost absentee casting a shadow over Al Hilal’s lineup is none other than Brazilian sensation, Neymar Jr. Battling a season-ending ACL injury, Neymar’s absence will deny his reunion with former teammate and friend, Lionel Messi. As the star forward remains sidelined till the end of the season, Al Hilal will surely miss his flair and attacking prowess.

Kalidou Koulibaly

The summer star signing and Senegalese center-back, Kalidou Koulibaly, will also be missing the Riyadh Season Cup games, as he takes center stage with Senegal in the AFCON tournament. The defensive rock’s presence, a colossus at the back, will be sorely missed against Miami’s potent attack. With Senagal advancing comfortably to the knockout stages, Koulibaly will be focused on his international duty.

Yassine Bounou

The goalkeeping stalwart, Yassine Bounou, has been a linchpin for Al Hilal this season. He is another confirmed absentee for the Riyadh Season Cup clashes, due to international duty with the Moroccan squad in the AFCON title chase. His absence will be notable for Jorge Jesus, as the Moroccan shot-stopper has only conceded nine times in the league this season.

Read More: Will Neymar Attend Al Hilal’s Riyadh Season Cup Clash Against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami?

Salem Al-Dawsari & Saud Abdulhamid

Beyond the glaring absence of the international stars, Al Hilal also grapples with the absence of their domestic players. Salem Al-Dawsari and Saud Abdulhamid find themselves away on international duty with Saudi Arabia in the Asian Cup. With Saudi Arabia excelling in their group, the absence of Abdulhamid, a standout center-back, will be keenly felt by Al Hilal against the formidable Miami side.

In the face of these significant absences, Al Hilal’s ability will be put to the test as they aim to overcome these hurdles. Jorge Jesus will be trying to solve the dilemma of reshaping the squad in the absence of key players. The stage is set, and fans eagerly await the outcome of this clash between Al Hilal and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

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