Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, the head coach of Saudi Al-Hilal, has decided to grant international players an additional 24-hour rest after their participation with the Saudi national team in the Asian playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

The Saudi sports newspaper reported that Inzaghi preferred to give his international players a short break to regain physical and mental balance before returning to group training in preparation for the upcoming local challenges.

Inzaghi will conduct technical tests during tomorrow's training to determine the appropriate plan and tactics for facing Al-Ettifaq, while the following day will be dedicated to light recreational training before heading to Dammam for the match.

During the international break, the Italian coach limited himself to conducting intensive technical drills with the available players after granting the team a six-day vacation following their return from Uzbekistan, after a tough victory over Nasaf with a score of three goals to two in the AFC Champions League.

Inzaghi aims to extend the vacation to ensure that players return in optimal physical condition, especially after the significant effort they put into the qualifiers, and to avoid any potential injuries before returning to local competitions.

Al-Hilal is preparing to face Al-Ettifaq next Saturday evening, in the fifth round of the Roshan Saudi Pro League, where the blue team seeks to continue its strong performances and maintain its lead in the standings.