Salem Al-Dawsari has increased his chances of featuring in Al-Hilal’s meeting with Al-Ittihad after taking part in the opening section of Wednesday’s team training.
The Saudi Arabia national team captain then continued with an individual rehabilitation programme under the supervision of Al-Hilal’s medical staff, in a positive development for the league leaders before Saturday’s Roshn Saudi League clash.
Al-Dawsari’s involvement in the first part of the session suggests he is nearing full fitness and could be included in the squad for the highly anticipated fixture.
Al-Hilal also received encouraging news regarding Hamad Al-Yami and Theo Hernandez. Both players completed ball-based fitness exercises as they reached the final stages of their respective recovery programmes, raising the possibility of their return to competitive action in the near future.
The session was Al-Hilal’s main training workout ahead of the visit of their traditional rivals. The match will take place at 21:00 on Saturday, 10 October, as part of the eighth round of the Roshn Saudi League.
Al-Hilal will host Al-Ittihad with only one point separating the two sides in the table. Al-Hilal currently lead the standings on 18 points, while Al-Ittihad are second with 17 points from seven matches.
The result could have a significant impact at the top of the division, with both teams entering the fixture in a fiercely competitive position. Al-Ittihad are one point above Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah, who occupy third and fourth place respectively.
The return of several injured players to parts of training gives Al-Hilal’s coaching staff more options before the meeting, although Al-Dawsari’s fitness will continue to be monitored as preparations progress.
His participation in the group session, followed by a separate rehabilitation schedule, represents the clearest indication yet that he may be available for one of the biggest matches of the eighth round.
