Martinelli Injury Could Give Salem Al-Dawsari a Route Back Into Al-Hilal’s Starting XI
Gabriel Martinelli’s injury is an unwelcome setback for Al-Hilal as the Saudi Roshn League leaders prepare to face Al-Fateh. But the Brazilian’s absence could also create an opportunity for captain Salem Al-Dawsari to return to the starting line-up in domestic competition for the first time in more than five months.
Al-Hilal are scheduled to meet Al-Fateh at 9 p.m. on Saturday in the 12th round of the league. Martinelli is expected to miss the match, while Dutch forward Summerville is available again after serving a suspension that kept him out of the recent game against Qatar’s Al-Shamal. Those changes may prompt head coach Simone Inzaghi to reconsider his attacking combinations.
A Chance for Al-Dawsari to Reclaim His Place
Al-Dawsari’s last domestic start came against Al-Fayha on May 21, in the final round of last season’s league campaign. Since then, the experienced winger has been absent from the starting line-up across eight league rounds, as well as Al-Hilal’s King’s Cup round-of-32 tie with Al-Raed.
His return to competitive action has been carefully managed. Inzaghi initially gave him only brief appearances, including one minute against Al-Hazm and two minutes against Al-Qadsiah. Those cameos offered the 35-year-old a chance to regain his rhythm without placing too much physical demand on him as he worked back toward full match fitness.
Al-Dawsari then received a more substantial opportunity against Al-Shamal in the third round of the AFC Champions League Elite. Although Al-Hilal lost 3-1, the captain scored his side’s only goal. The finish was a timely reminder of the threat he can offer in the final third—and could strengthen his case for a larger role against Al-Fateh.
Why Martinelli’s Absence Matters
Martinelli’s injury leaves Al-Hilal with one fewer attacking option at a significant point in the season. His absence may encourage Inzaghi to adjust the shape or personnel of his forward line, particularly if the coaching staff want more experience, movement or decisive finishing in the team’s attack.
Al-Dawsari brings qualities that can be valuable in a close league match. He is familiar with the club’s expectations, understands how to exploit space around the penalty area and has a record of contributing in important moments. His goal against Al-Shamal also suggests that, despite his limited minutes, he remains capable of making an impact when chances arise.
Summerville’s return gives Inzaghi another option, so Al-Dawsari’s possible start is far from guaranteed. The coach must weigh the captain’s recent progress against his fitness and the demands of a full league fixture. A place in the starting XI would represent a significant step in his comeback, but a substitute appearance could still allow Al-Hilal to use his experience later in the game.
Al-Hilal’s League Position Raises the Stakes
Al-Hilal enter the fixture at the top of the Saudi Roshn League standings with 27 points and a game in hand. Their postponed ninth-round match against Al-Riyadh gives them the possibility of adding to that total, but the immediate priority is to avoid dropping points against Al-Fateh.
Matches against determined opponents can test a title contender’s depth as much as its first-choice line-up. When injuries disrupt attacking plans, contributions from returning players can become especially important. Al-Hilal will need to balance the urgency of the title race with the need to manage players’ fitness across domestic and continental competitions.
For Al-Dawsari, the fixture offers a chance to turn his gradual return into a more prominent role. A start would end a long wait for a domestic appearance from the opening whistle and could help restore his place in Inzaghi’s plans. Even if he begins on the bench, his recent goal provides a positive sign that he is regaining sharpness.
Al-Fateh Prediction: Selection Could Shape the Contest
Any Al-Hilal versus Al-Fateh prediction must account for the uncertainty surrounding the home side’s attacking line-up. Al-Hilal’s position at the top of the table and their range of attacking options make them strong contenders, but Martinelli’s absence and Al-Dawsari’s fitness will influence how Inzaghi approaches the match.
If Al-Dawsari starts, his experience could help Al-Hilal create chances and provide composure in decisive moments. If he is held back, Summerville’s return may offer a different kind of threat, with the captain available as an impact substitute. Either way, the coach’s choices will be closely watched as Al-Hilal look to protect their lead and maintain momentum in the Saudi Pro League.
The final decision rests with Inzaghi and his staff, who will assess Al-Dawsari’s readiness before naming the team. Martinelli’s injury has complicated Al-Hilal’s preparations, but it may also have opened the door for their captain to make a timely return to the starting line-up.
