Al Hilal have suffered an unexpected setback ahead of their highly anticipated meeting with Al Ahli after it was confirmed that Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli will miss the third-round Saudi Pro League Clasico, despite being very close to completing his move to the Riyadh-based club. ⚽🔥
The development comes ahead of Tuesday’s clash between Al Hilal and Al Ahli at Kingdom Arena, where Martinelli could have provided an important attacking boost. However, the limited time remaining before the match has prevented the club from completing his registration and making him eligible to play.
Martinelli Out of Al Hilal’s Plans Against Al Ahli
Martinelli will not be able to make his Al Hilal debut against Al Ahli despite the transfer being close to completion.
His absence is linked to the administrative procedures required to register him, as there is not enough time to complete all the necessary steps before the Clasico.
As a result, Martinelli will remain outside the coaching staff’s plans for one of the biggest matches of the third round, with his debut expected to come later once the formal procedures are completed.
Agreement Reached Between Al Hilal, Arsenal and the Player
The latest developments indicate that Al Hilal have reached an agreement with Arsenal and the Brazilian player over the main details of the transfer.
Reaching an agreement between the three parties represents an important step toward completing Martinelli’s move to the Saudi Pro League. However, an agreement alone does not make a player immediately eligible for official matches, as medical tests, registration and other formal procedures must still be completed.
That is why Martinelli’s debut has been postponed despite the transfer moving toward its final stages. 🏆
Martinelli Expected in Riyadh Soon
The Brazilian winger is expected to arrive in Riyadh within the next two days to undergo his medical examination and complete the remaining procedures related to his transfer to Al Hilal.
Once the medical tests and formal requirements are completed, the player will begin a new chapter in his career after preparing to leave English football for a different experience in Saudi Arabia.
Al Hilal supporters are eagerly awaiting the official announcement, particularly because of the technical qualities Martinelli could add to the attacking line.
Why Is Martinelli’s Absence Important for Al Hilal?
Martinelli’s absence comes at an important moment because the Al Ahli match carries major significance at the beginning of the season.
A player with his pace, skill and ability to exploit spaces would have given Al Hilal another attacking option, particularly against a strong opponent such as Al Ahli.
However, the coaching staff will now have to rely on the players currently available while waiting for the Brazilian’s official arrival.
Martinelli.. From Brazil to Arsenal
Gabriel Martinelli began his European journey after joining Arsenal in January 2019 from Brazilian club Ituano.
Since arriving in London, the player developed gradually and became one of the English club’s important attacking options.
During his years at Arsenal, Martinelli gained extensive experience in English football while also appearing in major domestic and continental matches.
Martinelli’s Arsenal Contract
The player had been under contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2027, before recent developments moved him closer to a transfer to Al Hilal.
The move reflects Al Hilal’s desire to add a player with significant European experience to its squad, particularly because competition in the Saudi Pro League requires players with high technical and physical qualities.
Al Hilal vs Al Ahli.. Clasico Under the Spotlight
Al Hilal will host Al Ahli on Tuesday in a major third-round Saudi Pro League fixture.
The match is expected to attract significant attention because of the stars on both teams and the importance of collecting points early in the season.
Al Hilal will look to secure victory despite the absence of their new Martinelli signing, while Al Ahli will attempt to take advantage of the circumstances and leave Kingdom Arena with a positive result.
A Chance for the New Signing to Observe the Team
Although he will not be able to play, Martinelli’s arrival in Riyadh in the coming days will give him an opportunity to become more familiar with his new teammates and coaching staff and watch the team before making his official debut.
This period could help accelerate his integration into the squad and allow him to understand the tactical approach before he plays his first match.
Martinelli’s Real Debut Has Been Delayed
The Al Ahli match was expected to provide an exciting beginning to Martinelli’s career with Al Hilal, but administrative procedures have delayed his first appearance.
The Brazilian will therefore have to wait until he is officially registered before beginning a new chapter in which he will look to prove himself and help Al Hilal compete for major trophies.
✨ Martinelli is closing in on wearing the Al Hilal shirt but will miss the Clasico against Al Ahli because there is not enough time to complete his registration, delaying the Brazilian star’s debut until after the match.
📢 Could Martinelli have made the difference against Al Ahli if he had been registered in time? Share your prediction for his first match with Al Hilal. ⚽🔥
