Hamed Al-Ghamdi's season with Al-Ittihad is over before it started. The Saudi midfielder suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a pre-season friendly against South Africa's Orlando Pirates in Marbella last Tuesday, forcing the club to confirm the devastating injury through their official channels. Surgery is imminent, with rehabilitation expected to consume the remainder of the campaign.
The 27-year-old sustained the injury in what was supposed to be a routine warm-up fixture ahead of the new Saudi campaign. Al-Ittihad's 3-2 victory over Orlando Pirates offered little consolation, as medical assessments revealed the severity of Al-Ghamdi's setback. A return to competitive action this season has been ruled out, leaving the midfielder facing months of recovery before any hopes of a comeback materialise.
Midfield Concerns Mount for Al-Ittihad
The injury compounds existing depth issues in Al-Ittihad's midfield. Mamadou Doumbia, the Mali international, is also sidelined, forcing the club into the transfer market. Several targets have been linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League outfit, including:
- Egyptians Emam Ashour and Marwan Attia
- Moroccans Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat
- Nigerians Raphael Onyedika and Wilfred Ndidi
Al-Ghamdi made 11 appearances across all competitions last season for the Saudi club, contributing no goals or assists. His absence will necessitate reinforcement in the centre of the park as Al-Ittihad prepares for another competitive season in the Saudi Pro League and continental competitions. The search for quality midfield recruits has become an urgent priority rather than a leisurely pursuit.
