This Monday, Al-Hilal faced off against Shabab Al Ahly in the 7th round of the AFC Champions League Elite (Western Zone) in the United Arab Emirates. For this continental clash, Senegalese international defender Kalidou Koulibaly was not in the starting lineup, as the coaching staff decided to rest him.
This decision is part of a careful management of Koulibaly’s playing time. The Senegalese defender just came off an intense period, spending nearly a month with the national team, capped by a continental triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Upon returning to the club, he also had to deal with a foot injury sustained during the international break, followed by a brief absence due to the passing of his father. Declared fit, Koulibaly was gradually reintroduced by Simone Inzaghi, first regaining a starting spot before playing a second match in the league against Al-Okhdood. After these two starts, the Al-Hilal staff opted to rest him for this Asian Champions League trip.
