Al Hilal Restores Midfield Option for Al Sadd Clash in Doha

Al Hilal face Al Sadd on October 13, 2026, at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha in the AFC Champions League Elite second round, with Simone Inzaghi adjusting his lineup to manage absences and seek another positive result.

According to Al Hilal, Sergej Milinkovic Savic returned to full team training after completing his rehabilitation program before the away match. The midfielder is set to replace Simon Boabre in the starting lineup.

Al Hilal's final training session on Monday included Milinkovic Savic's return, while Hamad Al Yami continued rehabilitation and Salem Al Dawsari remained in treatment, according to the club.

Goal.com reported that Crysencio Summerville missed the match through suspension after receiving a red card against Al Gharafa in the opening round. His absence forced Inzaghi to adjust his attacking setup.

Sultan Mandash was selected on the right wing, allowing Gabriel Martinelli to move back to the left side, according to Goal.com. Theo Hernandez was also unavailable after playing in the derby against Al Ittihad.

Mutaib Al Harbi replaced Theo Hernandez at left back, while Yusuf Akcicek started ahead of Hassan Tambakti in defense, according to Goal.com. Al Hilal entered the match fifth in the Western region standings with three points.

Abdullah Al Anazi was excluded from Al Hilal's squad for tactical reasons, according to Ysscores. The report also said Salem Al Dawsari, Crysencio Summerville, and Hamad Al Yami were unavailable for the match.

Al Sadd approached the fixture after a 0-3 defeat against Esteghlal, while Al Hilal arrived after a 2-1 victory over Al Gharafa, according to Fananews. The Qatari side were seeking their first points in the competition.

Al Sadd coach Razvan Lucescu said before the match that his team needed to reduce defensive mistakes against Al Hilal. Fananews reported that Guilherme Torres and Marcelo Brozovic would miss the game because of injuries.

Livescore reported that Lucescu remained confident in his available players despite the absence of Brozovic and Guilherme. The coach emphasized the importance of concentration and discipline against a strong opponent.

Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham could return, while Paulo Otavio expressed confidence in the team's preparation, according to Fananews. Al Hilal's delegation traveled to Doha led by club board member Nawaf Al Tumayyat.