Inzaghi's Al-Hilal Faces Al-Gharafa in AFC Champions League Opener
Al-Hilal step back onto the continental stage on Tuesday night with history behind them and a few question marks ahead of them. Chief among those: will Ollie Watkins make it?
Simone Inzaghi confirmed on Monday that the English forward is a doubt for the AFC Champions League Elite opener against Qatar’s Al-Gharafa at Kingdom Arena, with his status hinging on the final training session.
“Whether (Ollie) Watkins participates or not will be decided after today's training,” the Italian said, underlining the late call on one of his key attackers.
What is certain is that Al-Hilal arrive as both wounded and dangerous. Wounded, because last season’s campaign ended in the quarter-finals on penalties to Al-Sadd. Dangerous, because they remain the competition’s most decorated club with four titles and a squad built to chase a fifth.
A familiar opponent, a fresh chapter
The draw has handed Al-Hilal a familiar face. Al-Gharafa stood opposite them last year, and little has changed on the Qatari side.
“We know Al-Gharafa well, we faced them last year, and they have almost the same coach and players,” Inzaghi said. “They have fast forwards, and we will enter the match with full ferocity.”
There was no attempt to play down the occasion. For Inzaghi, this is not just another fixture on a crowded calendar.
“This is a big tournament and dear to our hearts,” he insisted. “In today's training we are aiming to prepare well to play our first match in it.”
The message was clear: the Asian campaign is not a side project. It is a priority.
Tired legs, sharp focus
Al-Hilal have barely had time to breathe. They only came out of a league meeting with Al-Taawoun 48 hours ago, yet still sit on top of the Roshn League table.
“The players are used to the pressure, we played 3 consecutive matches, and despite that we are still top of the league table,” Inzaghi said, backing his squad’s resilience.
He refuses to look too far ahead.
“We think about each match on its own, and tomorrow is our first match in the tournament,” he explained. “We will aim to win the match.”
That single-game focus has underpinned a domestic run in which Al-Hilal have dominated both ends of the pitch.
“We are the best team on both the attacking and defensive fronts (in the Roshn League), and tomorrow we will open a new chapter in the Asian tournament,” he added, drawing a straight line between league form and continental ambition.
Selection puzzle: Watkins in doubt, others return
If Watkins is touch-and-go, there was at least one positive update. Inzaghi confirmed that (Simon) Bouabre is available again and part of his plans for the competition.
“(Simon) Bouabre will be available for the match, and we will aim to use all available players in this tournament,” he said.
He also made it clear that two of his attacking options are ready to go regardless of Watkins’ fate.
“(Crysencio) Summerville and (Gabriel) Martinelli will feature in the game,” Inzaghi stated, giving a glimpse of the firepower he intends to unleash.
With Al-Hilal chasing redemption after last season’s quarter-final exit and carrying the weight of four continental crowns, the stage is set. The only lingering doubt is whether Watkins will be on it when the Kingdom Arena lights up for another tilt at Asia.
