Al-shabab Vs Al-hilal: European referee to take charge of Riyadh derby
The Riyadh derby — billed as al-shabab vs al-hilal — will be overseen by a European referee as both sides prepare for a high-profile Saudi Pro League meeting on Friday; squad changes and recent injury news have shaped the final build-up.
Match details and standings ahead of kickoff
The fixture is scheduled for Friday, 27th February 2026, with a 20: 00 local time kickoff at Al-Shabab Club Stadium. Al Shabab heads into the match sitting 12th in the league with 25 points; Al-Hilal sits third with 54 points, unbeaten this season with a record of 16 wins and 6 draws and no losses.
Al-Hilal’s recent form and their away record have been highlighted in pre-match assessments, and the teams last met with Al-Hilal winning 1-0 in their most recent direct meeting.
Al-shabab Vs Al-hilal: squad news and selection moves
Team news has dominated headlines. Al-Shabab will miss Carlos Junior for the derby after he was ruled out with an injury. Coach Noureddine Ben Zekri addressed tensions between senior players, saying, "There is no problem between Carrasco and Hamdallah, and I tell people who speak about incorrect matters not to bear the burden of that in this blessed month. " He also urged attention to tactical fixes: "We must correct our technical matters, and I invite journalists to look towards the pitch and how we can elevate the value of this league. "
On the Al-Hilal side, Simone Inzaghi has named foreign players for the match and made adjustments for injuries: Tambakti is absent and Hamad Al-Yami is also out, with Al-Ajami and Al-Harbi brought in as replacements. Al-Hilal confirmed Hamad Al-Yami will undergo surgery in Finland. The club listed other injury updates: Miti is recovering, and the absences of Benzema and Nasser Al-Dosari are described as temporary.
Referee appointment and what fans can expect
Organizers have appointed a European referee for the Riyadh derby, a decision that adds an extra talking point to the match day. With strong form from Al-Hilal and a home crowd for Al Shabab, managers will be looking for discipline in key moments: penalty responsibilities, set-piece marking and how each side manages transitions.
Quick match recap:
- Kickoff: 20: 00 local time, Friday, 27th February 2026 — Al-Shabab Club Stadium
- Key absences: Carlos Junior (Al-Shabab); Tambakti and Hamad Al-Yami (Al-Hilal)
- Coaching notes: Noureddine Ben Zekri denied any rift between Abderrazak Hamdallah and Yannick Carrasco
The next confirmed event is the match itself on Friday at Al-Shabab Club Stadium, when teams will take the pitch and the appointed European referee will officiate the Riyadh derby. Coaches have published their selections and injury lists ahead of the 20: 00 local time kickoff, setting the stage for a closely watched league clash.
