It’s all set for the most-awaited and fierce club friendlies in the Riyadh Season Cup. Considering it’s unofficial, you’d expect teams to be a bit cavalier about it. Meanwhile, Al Hilal’s coach, Jorge Jesus, is a man of no excuses. And when his club faces the emerging Inter Miami, they are expected to be the favorites, keeping in mind their recent form and rich history. But the Portuguese coach too has a major issue, which can balance or even swing the pendulum towards Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

The contest may not seem to grab as many eyeballs as the last dance with Cristiano Ronaldo. But Inter Miami’s lackluster team, after losing a few preseason matches, has many things to prove for themselves as well as the fans. And the game against a deficient Al Hilal camp can do wonders for their mettle.

Major disadvantage Jorge Jesus faces during their clash against Lionel Messi

Al Hilal has been on a blitzkrieg, to say the least. Being undefeated in all the major tournaments this season, the unit was tightly packed like a diamond. And with some of their elements missing, Jesus feels that it could be a hindrance. He recently stated, “We suffer from a major deficiency. We have 11 players with the national team, but the match is important, and we will give everything we have to win.” But who are the main players missing?

Al Hilal will be without quite a few core players. The team will miss their major backline fort against Lionel Messi and Co. Goalkeeper Bono and center-back Kalidou Koulibaly are out playing in the AFCON. Other defenders, Ali Al Bulaihi, Saud Abdulhamid, and Hassan Tambakti, are in Saudi Arabia’s squad for the AFC Asian Cup.

Trending

Sidelined By Injury Vs Orlando, Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight For Inter Miami Vs DC United?

Inter Miami vs DC United: Expected Lineup, Lionel Messi Injury Update, Team News, Head-to-Head Stats, Predictions, Live Streaming & How to Watch on TV

Following Phil Foden’s Win, Questions Raised Against FWA Player of the Year Award for Kevin De Bruyne Snub by Ex-Chelsea Star

Kevin De Bruyne Injury Update- Pep Guardiola Reveals Manchester City Star’s Status For West Ham Clash

Wrexham Academy Executive Director Fires Shots at Pre-Ryan Reynolds Takeover Manager Following ‘Not Fast’ Jibe

Other important players on the Saudi team are Saleh Al-Shehri, Mohamed Kanno, and Abdulelah Al Maliki. Nevertheless, Jesus treats this as an important game and a good way to keep the rest of the squad ready for the remaining season.

Inter Miami challenge was taken positively by Jesus amid a depleted squad

The Portuguese coach is leading the club by example. Despite the absence of marquee player Neymar, Jesus turned out to be a tactical mastermind, signing diverse players. Stars like the well-appreciated Aleksandar Mitrovic, along with Malcom and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, have been stalwarts this season. And they will prove to be vital in today’s opener of the Riyadh Season Cup.

‘Angry’ Berbatov Tells Antony to Watch Lionel Messi & Other Wingers to Save His Manchester United Career

Meanwhile, Jesus also said that it would not be friendly for him. “I consider it official, and it will help us prepare before competing for the AFC Champions League. Of course, the match will be different if we are full, but we are ready.” And it looks like the Portuguese coach is all set to conclude the season on high.

WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen joins Lionel Messi in creating special historic feat