Questions have arisen about the future of Marcos Leonardo with Al-Hilal, following his absence from the starting lineup since the arrival of Frenchman Karim Benzema during the last winter transfer window.

The final match against Al Wahda of the UAE in the concluding stage of the Asian Elite Championship saw the absence of Leonardo, while Al Hilal secured a 2-1 victory with a brace from Uruguayan Darwin Núñez.

Italian coach Simone Inzaghi explained before the match against Al Wahda that the Brazilian player is training normally, and that the decision on his participation depends on the tactical vision and the needs of each match.

The "Our League is Different" program revealed that Leonardo's exclusion was purely a technical decision, and he is currently undergoing a special rehabilitation program. He will join the group training when needed, without being permanently excluded.

Despite Inzaghi preferring to include him in the local squad at the expense of Nunez, the Brazilian striker has not received enough playing time recently, due to strong competition in the forward line.

Leonardo was close to moving to Atlético Madrid before the deal fell through in the final hours of the winter transfer window.

The player participated in 24 matches this season across various tournaments, scoring 14 goals and providing one assist. However, his role diminished after Benzema was established as the first-choice striker in Al Hilal's lineup.