Al-Ittihad manager Jens Wissing is waiting for the latest medical report on George Ilenikhena, with the Nigeria striker’s chances of facing Al-Hilal appearing to diminish.
The club have not set a date for the 19-year-old’s return to training after he suffered a physical problem while on international duty with Nigeria. Al-Ittihad’s coaching staff are monitoring his condition alongside the club’s medical team, which is in direct contact with its counterparts at the Nigeria Football Federation.
That communication is intended to establish the appropriate rehabilitation programme and assess whether Ilenikhena can resume training in time for Saturday’s Saudi Pro League encounter.
Ilenikhena was able to come on as a substitute for 15 minutes in Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau after initially reporting the problem. Before that match, he scored his first international goal on his debut for the Super Eagles against Madagascar in the previous round of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
His availability is particularly important to Wissing because of the impact he has made since joining Al-Ittihad’s first-team plans this season. The striker has scored four goals and provided two assists in six appearances in the Roshn Saudi League, according to figures from the Saudi Professional League Association.
With his recovery still uncertain, Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri is expected to be Al-Ittihad’s only recognised centre-forward for the meeting with Al-Hilal.
The fixture is being played at a crucial stage of the title race. Al-Ittihad are second in the Roshn Saudi League with 17 points, one behind leaders Al-Hilal. The two sides will meet in one of the headline matches of the eighth round, increasing the importance of having key players available.
Al-Ittihad will travel to Al-Hilal on Saturday evening for the match at Kingdom Arena, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00. Wissing will use the final medical assessment to determine whether Ilenikhena can return in time for the fixture or must sit out the anticipated contest.
The decision is expected to depend on the striker’s progress in training and the recommendations provided by the medical staff after their assessment of his latest condition.