Inzaghi Faces Doubts Over Watkins as Al-Hilal Prepares for Asian Challenge

Simone Inzaghi is ready to throw Al-Hilal into another continental fight. He just doesn’t yet know if Ollie Watkins will be able to join them.

On the eve of their AFC Champions League Elite opener against Qatar’s Al-Gharafa at Kingdom Arena, the Italian coach admitted his English striker remains a doubt, with a final decision to come only after Monday’s training session.

“Whether (Ollie) Watkins participates or not will be decided after today's training,” Inzaghi said, leaving a key attacking piece hanging in the balance.

What is not in doubt is the scale of the occasion. Al-Hilal, four-time winners and the most decorated club in the competition’s history, are back on Asian duty and eager to wipe away the memory of last season’s painful exit. They crashed out in the quarter-finals on penalties to Qatar’s Al-Sadd, a defeat that still lingers around the club’s continental ambitions.

Familiar opponent, unforgiving schedule

Al-Hilal host Al-Gharafa tomorrow, Tuesday, in the first round of the league phase of the revamped Asian tournament. Inzaghi, speaking alongside Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly, underlined how seriously his squad treat the competition.

“This is a big tournament and dear to our hearts,” he said, as reported by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. “In today's training we are aiming to prepare well to play our first match in it.”

There will be no surprises in the opposition, at least. Al-Hilal faced Al-Gharafa last year, and Inzaghi sees a near copy of that side lining up again.

“We know Al-Gharafa well, we faced them last year, and they have almost the same coach and players,” he explained. “They have fast forwards, and we will enter the match with full ferocity.”

The context is demanding. Al-Hilal only emerged from a domestic clash with Al-Taawoun 48 hours ago, yet the expectation, internally and externally, remains the same.

“We think about each match on its own, and tomorrow is our first match in the tournament,” Inzaghi said. “We came out of the meeting with Al-Taawoun 48 hours ago, and we will aim to win the match.”

Top of Saudi, reset in Asia

The schedule has been relentless, but the results have been ruthless. Al-Hilal have played three consecutive matches and still sit on top of the Roshn League table, a detail Inzaghi used to highlight his squad’s mentality.

“The players are used to the pressure, we played 3 consecutive matches, and despite that we are still top of the league table,” he pointed out.

The numbers back up the confidence. Inzaghi was quick to remind everyone that his side are setting the standard at both ends of the pitch in Saudi Arabia.

“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.”

That “new chapter” is not just rhetoric. Last season’s quarter-final heartbreak has sharpened the focus. For a club that measures itself in continental titles, anything less than a deep run will feel like underachievement.

Injuries, returns and key calls

Team selection will be closely watched, especially in attack. While Watkins remains a doubt, there was better news elsewhere in the squad.

On the fitness front, Inzaghi confirmed that Simon Bouabre is ready to return. “(Simon) Bouabre will be available for the match, and we will aim to use all available players in this tournament,” he said.

He also moved to reassure supporters about other attacking options. Even if Watkins fails to make it, Al-Hilal will not be short of firepower.

“(Crysencio) Summerville and (Gabriel) Martinelli will feature in the game,” Inzaghi concluded, making clear that his wide areas will still be loaded with pace and invention.

Al-Hilal step into the AFC Champions League Elite as the team with the heaviest history and the loudest expectations. The question now is simple: can this version of Inzaghi’s side turn domestic dominance into another Asian crown, or will last year’s quarter-final scar open up again when the pressure spikes?