Malian midfielder Mamadou Doumbia, who plays for Al-Ittihad, is preparing to return to Jeddah after completing his participation with the Mali national team in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.

The Mali national team was eliminated from the continental tournament after losing 1-0 to Senegal in the quarter-final match held on Friday.

Doumbia has come under the attention of the technical staff of Al-Ittihad Club, led by the Portuguese Sergio Conceição, ahead of the upcoming match against Damac in the Saudi Roshn League.

Al-Ittihad will visit Damac next Tuesday as part of the 15th round of the competition, at Prince Sultan Sports City Stadium in Al-Mahalah, Abha.

The Saudi newspaper "Al-Riyadiyah" pointed out that the Al-Ittihad management has completed special arrangements to expedite Doumbia's return, in order to give him the opportunity to participate in the anticipated match.

The Malian midfielder is expected to undergo a recovery training program upon his arrival, aimed at preparing him physically before the Damac match.

In a related context, Conceição decided to give Al-Ittihad players a rest on Saturday, following their emphatic 4-0 victory over Al-Kholood in the previous round.

Al-Ittihad occupies fifth place in the Roshn Saudi League standings with 26 points, having achieved 8 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses.