Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi says Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly is fully fit and available for the Saudi Pro League season opener against Al-Faisaly.
The 35-year-old centre-back had raised concerns over his physical condition after being left on the bench for Senegal’s final two matches at the 2026 World Cup.
But Inzaghi has moved to reassure supporters, saying Koulibaly has been training consistently with the Saudi club since returning from international duty and is ready to feature.
“Koulibaly has been training with us since July 20th. He is more fit than ever and in perfect physical condition. He is ready and will be an option for us against Al-Faisaly.”
The comments provide a positive update on the Senegal international ahead of the start of a new domestic campaign, with Koulibaly expected to remain an important part of Al Hilal’s defensive plans.
Questions over his condition emerged after Senegal coach Pape Thiaw did not use the veteran defender in the Lions of Teranga’s final two World Cup matches against Iraq and Belgium.
Koulibaly had returned to competitive action after representing Senegal at the tournament, having also dealt with a thigh injury earlier in the year.
His injury problems were a concern for Al Hilal last season, when the former Chelsea defender managed 26 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice and providing two assists.
Despite those setbacks, Inzaghi believes the defender has returned to full fitness and can now contribute to Al Hilal’s efforts as they begin their latest campaign.
Koulibaly joined Al Hilal from Chelsea in July 2023 and has since established himself as a regular presence in the club’s defence. His experience is expected to be particularly valuable as the Saudi side attempt to challenge for the league title again.
Al Hilal enter the new season seeking to reclaim the Saudi Pro League crown after finishing behind their rivals in each of the past two campaigns.
They were runners-up to Al-Ittihad in the 2024-25 season before finishing behind Al-Nassr in 2025-26.
The club will therefore begin the new campaign with the objective of returning to the top, and having an experienced defender such as Koulibaly available will strengthen Inzaghi’s options at the back.
For Koulibaly, the start of the season also represents an opportunity to put last season’s injury problems behind him and re-establish himself as a key figure for both club and country.
The Senegalese defender remains one of the most experienced players in the Al Hilal squad, having built a career that includes spells at Chelsea and other major European clubs before his move to Saudi Arabia.
