Theo Hernández and Yassine Bounou cleared as Al Hilal chase title with Benzema vs Al Nassr

Al Hilal will welcome Theo Hernández and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou back to the matchday squad for Tuesday's Saudi Pro League derby at Al Awwal Park, where Karim Benzema's side face Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in a game that could decide the title race. The clash on May 12 pits the two stars directly against each other as Al Hilal chase a result that would keep them in contention for the crown.

Why it matters

Al Hilal sit five points behind Al Nassr but have a game in hand, meaning the outcome at Al Awwal Park is pivotal. Al Nassr have two league fixtures remaining after the derby; if they win at home on May 12 they would be crowned champions. Al Hilal, by contrast, have three matches left and can still control their own destiny with a victory and favourable results in their remaining fixtures.

Squad news: Hernández and Bounou cleared

According to the report, Theo Hernández — who left the field injured in the King’s Cup final on May 8 — underwent medical checks that showed the issue to be minor, allowing him to be included in Simone Inzaghi’s squad. Yassine Bounou is also confirmed as available for selection. Both players have been described as key contributors to Al Hilal’s season.

Defensive blow: Koulibaly sidelined

Al Hilal will be without Kalidou Koulibaly for the derby. The centre-back is still in rehabilitation for a thigh injury sustained before the club travelled to Jeddah for AFC Champions League Elite knockout rounds, and has not returned to full fitness. Hamad Al Yami also remains out as he recovers from knee surgery.

What the fixtures look like after the derby

If Al Nassr win at Al Awwal Park on May 12 they would be crowned champions with only one league fixture — a May 21 trip to Damac FC — remaining. Al Hilal still have two league games scheduled after the derby: a May 16 match with Neom SC and a season finale against Al Fayha, giving them the chance to finish their season strongly if they avoid defeat in Riyadh.

• Theo Hernández cleared to be in Al Hilal's matchday squad after minor issue in King’s Cup final
• Yassine Bounou confirmed available for the derby against Al Nassr
• Kalidou Koulibaly remains sidelined while rehabbing a thigh injury
• Al Hilal trail Al Nassr by five points but have a game in hand
• Al Nassr would clinch the Saudi Pro League title with a win on May 12

Tactical and squad implications

The return of Hernández restores a regular presence on Al Hilal’s left side and gives manager Simone Inzaghi an experienced offensive full-back option. Bounou’s availability provides goalkeeper stability in a high-pressure fixture. However, the continued absence of Koulibaly removes a proven central defensive leader, meaning Inzaghi may need to adjust his centre-back pairing or defensive structure for the derby.

What happens next

All eyes will be on team sheets and Inzaghi’s selection on matchday to see how Al Hilal cope defensively without Koulibaly and whether Hernández and Bounou start. The derby’s result will have immediate title implications: an Al Nassr win would deliver the championship, while an Al Hilal victory would keep the title race alive heading into the final rounds of the season.