Saudi Al-Ittihad defender Saad Al-Mousa has started a new step in his recovery journey from an injury to his right ankle, as part of a treatment program set by the medical staff at the club's headquarters.

According to a report by the Saudi sports newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Mousa began implementing the treatment program yesterday, after returning from London last week, where he underwent surgery to treat a fracture in his ankle sustained during team training earlier this month.

Sources confirmed that the player is responding well to the treatment plan, with close monitoring by the medical team who aim to prepare him optimally, given Al-Ittihad's need to strengthen its defensive line in the upcoming period.

The coaching staff hopes to accelerate the rehabilitation stages as much as possible without harming the player, especially since the injury occurred at a sensitive time with the team's declining results in the league.

Al-Ittihad is preparing to face a strong match against Al-Riyadh on Friday evening, as part of the ninth round of the Roshn Saudi Professional League, amid the continued absence of Al-Mousa and several other defensive players.

Currently, Al-Ittihad occupies eighth place with 11 points after 8 rounds, which pushes the team to seek victories despite multiple absences, hoping to improve its position before the competition pause.