Al Ittihad’s preparations for the new season have suffered another setback at their pre-season camp in Marbella, with three more players ruled out through injury and illness following the serious knee injury sustained by midfielder Hamed Al Ghamdi.
The Saudi Pro League side confirmed on Saturday that Al Ghamdi has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. The injury occurred during Tuesday’s 3-2 friendly win over South African club Orlando Pirates and is regarded as a significant blow to the squad.
Shortly after announcing the extent of Al Ghamdi’s injury, Al Ittihad revealed on their official X account that three further players had been added to the medical list and would miss Saturday’s friendly against Spanish side Las Palmas.
Nigeria forward George Elinikhena is unavailable after being diagnosed with acute tonsillitis accompanied by a high fever. He is being monitored by the club’s medical staff, who will determine when he can be reintegrated into full team training once his condition improves.
Right-back Muhannad Al Shanqeeti is also sidelined after feeling pain in his right knee following Saturday morning’s training session. The club said he has started a treatment programme under the supervision of the medical team, with his progress to be assessed before he returns to group work.
Midfielder Mohammed Fallatah is the third player currently out of action, as he continues to struggle with pain in the lower abdomen. He is following an individual rehabilitation plan, with the intention of rejoining full training in the coming period once he has fully recovered.
The cluster of fitness problems has emerged during a key phase of Al Ittihad’s build-up in Spain, where the team are holding an external training camp in Marbella as they work towards the start of the 2024-25 campaign.
Final friendlies and Asian play-off ahead
After facing Las Palmas in Marbella, Al Ittihad are scheduled to play one final friendly at the camp against Spanish side Real Mallorca on 30 July. The team are then due to return to Jeddah to complete their preparations.
The club’s first competitive fixture of the new season will come against UAE side Al Jazira on 11 August, in the play-off round of the AFC Champions League Elite. That match will decide whether the Saudi club secure a place in the group stage of the restructured continental competition.
With Al Ghamdi’s long-term absence already confirmed and three more squad members undergoing treatment or rehabilitation, Al Ittihad’s medical and coaching staff will be closely monitoring the players’ recovery timelines as the start of their competitive programme draws nearer.
