Simone Inzaghi provides an update on Kalidou Koulibaly ahead of Al-Hilal’s first match in the Saudi Pro League

The Italian manager expressed his satisfaction with the Senegalese defender’s fitness during the pre-season.

Kalidou Koulibaly had been carrying a thigh injury since last April. This injury prevented him from finishing the season with his Saudi club. Nor was he at his best for the Senegal national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As his club, Al-Hilal, prepares for its first match of the 2026–2027 Saudi Pro League season against Al-Faisaly on 14 August, his manager Simone Inzaghi spoke about his fitness. Asked about Kalidou Koulibaly’s pre-season preparations, Inzaghi stated that the Senegalese defender has been with the squad since 22 July.

Simone Inzaghi explained that Koulibaly has, in particular, taken part in training sessions with his team-mates as well as in several friendly matches played by the club. The Italian coach considers his preparations to be satisfactory ahead of the start of the new season.