Italian Simone Inzaghi, the head coach of Al-Hilal, confirmed that his selections for the match against Shabab Al-Ahli of the UAE were made after a thorough study of the players' physical and technical conditions ahead of the AFC Champions League elite match.

Inzaghi clarified during the introductory press conference that the rotation policy will be implemented in the match, with the aim of resting some players who have suffered from the pressure of matches and fatigue in the recent period.

The Al-Hilal coach emphasized the importance of the match despite having secured qualification, noting that the continental championship is a priority for the team and that the current lead in the group does not mean underestimating or downplaying the strength of the opponent.

Inzaghi explained that the exclusion of Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo was purely a technical decision, affirming his confidence in the other attacking options available on the roster.

The Italian coach revealed that he will decide on the participation of the French duo Simon Boubari and Mohamed Kader Meite as starters after the final training session, based on each player's technical and physical readiness.

Inzaghi pointed out that the Asian Elite Championship offers coaches greater flexibility in selecting players, unlike the restrictions on registering foreign players in the local league, which makes it easier to make technical decisions.

Al-Rashid Stadium will host the match between Al-Hilal and Shabab Al-Ahli on Monday evening as part of the seventh round. Al-Hilal leads the Western group with 18 points, while Shabab Al-Ahli is in fifth place with ten points.