Hassan Tambakti Returns to Al-Hilal Training
Al-Hilal have taken a significant step toward restoring the spine of their defence.
Saudi international Hassan Tambakti was back on the training pitch today, joining the first phase of the session and handing coach Simone Inzaghi a badly needed boost as the season heads into its most demanding stretch.
Tambakti steps back in
Tambakti has been sidelined in recent weeks after picking up an injury while on duty with the Saudi national team during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The problem forced him into a spell of treatment and rehabilitation, with the medical staff focused on rebuilding both his physical strength and his sharpness on the ball.
Today brought the first real sign that the work is paying off. The defender completed the opening segment of the workout, a clear indicator that his full integration into group training is getting closer. The final green light, though, will depend on how his fitness responds in the coming days and on Inzaghi’s decision over when to risk him in competitive action.
Defence under strain
The timing could hardly be more critical for Al-Hilal. The backline has creaked in recent matches, with spaces appearing through the centre and several defenders struggling to hit their usual level.
Kalidou Koulibaly, the man expected to anchor the defence, has battled for form, leaving Inzaghi short of reliable options at the heart of his rearguard. The instability has been obvious, and opponents have not hesitated to exploit it.
That is where Tambakti’s return changes the picture.
The piece Inzaghi has been missing
Tambakti brings more than just another body in defence. He offers strong cover, aggression in duels and a calm reading of danger that Al-Hilal have missed. His experience in high-pressure matches and his ability to stay locked in during games that demand total defensive focus make him a key part of the club’s plans.
With him available, Inzaghi can start to reshuffle his backline, restore clearer roles and lean again on a defender who understands how to manage the tense, tactical battles that lie ahead.
Al-Hilal are preparing for decisive fixtures on multiple fronts. If Tambakti completes his recovery and returns to full sharpness, the Italian coach may finally regain the defensive balance and solidity that could define how far “the Boss” go this season.
