Saad Al-Mousa is set to make his long-awaited return to action as Al-Ittihad prepare for their Saudi Clásico showdown against Al-Hilal at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Saturday. The centre-back has been sidelined for nearly a full year after suffering a fractured ankle during training in November, ruling him out of the eighth-round fixture against Al-Ahli that year.
The injury forced Al-Mousa to undergo surgery in London followed by an extensive rehabilitation programme to regain match fitness. Under the guidance of German manager Jens Weissing, the recovery process has been carefully managed. Al-Mousa was gradually reintegrated into group training before earning minutes with Al-Ittihad's under-21 side in the Joy Elite League to sharpen his competitive edge ahead of the high-stakes league encounter.
Cautious Reintegration Expected
While Al-Mousa's availability represents a significant boost for Al-Ittihad's defensive options, expect the coaching staff to exercise caution with his deployment against Al-Hilal. After such an extended absence, a gradual return to the starting lineup appears more likely than an immediate reinstatement. His presence on the bench as an available option could still prove influential in a tightly contested Saudi Roshn League clash.
Al-Mousa was a cornerstone of Al-Ittihad's backline two seasons ago, forming a reliable partnership alongside Portugal international Danilo Pereira. That partnership delivered the defensive solidity the club relies upon during crucial competitions. With his return, Al-Ittihad gains an experienced centre-back who understands the tactical demands of facing rivals like Al-Hilal, potentially reshaping how the team approaches both this match and their campaign trajectory in the weeks ahead.
