Italian Simone Inzaghi, head coach of Al-Hilal first football team, decided to exclude Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly from the friendly match against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns on Friday, as part of the team's camp in Stagersbach, Austria, according to a source told Al-Riyadiya. The source explained that Inzaghi made this decision due to Koulibaly's lack of physical readiness, as the player only did a separate training program on Friday morning. Koulibaly (35 years old) joined the camp last Wednesday after finishing his leave granted to him following his participation with the Senegal national team in the 2026 World Cup, which concluded in the United States last Sunday. Al-Hilal will play its second friendly match against Sundowns at 7:00 PM on Friday, after winning the first against Austria's Sturm Graz 2-1 last Sunday.

Al-Hilal continues its preparations for the upcoming season under the leadership of its new coach, Simone Inzaghi.

Koulibaly joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023 coming from English Chelsea, and is considered one of the key defensive elements of the team. His absence from the friendly match indicates the player's need for more time to reach the required readiness. These preparatory trials come as part of Al-Hilal's preparations for the new season, which will feature domestic and continental competitions.