Unbeaten Diaz counting on team spirit to overcome Persepolis

Midfielder Al Abid started eight out of Al Hilal’s 10 games in the AFC Champions League this season, but the Saudi international suffered an injury after the return leg of the quarter-finals against Al Ain and has not travelled with the team to Abu Dhabi.

“Nawaf is a key player for us, but we knew he was not available about a week ago, so we decided to leave him behind in Riyadh,” said Diaz.

“We have a strong group of players at Al Hilal, our team is not just about a player or two.”