Iraqi national team and Luton Town striker Ali Al-Hammadi has ended the period of absence that kept him off the field over the past weeks, after receiving the green light to return to group training, signaling a new phase in which he aims to regain his form and secure his place again with his team and national team.

Al-Hammadi had been absent from participation since the Iraqi national team’s match against the UAE in the Asian playoff, held on November 13th last year, as injury prevented his appearance with the “Lions of Mesopotamia” in the 2025 Arab Cup, as well as with his team Luton Town in the English Championship.

Special sources told winwin that the Iraqi striker is very close to an official return to match action after regularly attending Luton Town’s group training, in preparation for the match against Plymouth in the 28th round of the Championship. The sources added that the player is keen to make his mark with the team, especially since he has only participated in one match since his transfer to Luton Town during the last summer transfer window.

The sources pointed out that Al-Hammadi has set his sights on playing regularly in the upcoming phase to fully regain his readiness, particularly with the approaching commitments of the Iraqi national team, foremost among them the global playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The player is under direct follow-up and attention from the national team coach Graham Arnold, who communicates with him constantly to check on his physical condition, expressing great happiness over his return to training after recovering from injury.

The sources explained that Luton Town’s medical staff preferred to be cautious in reintegrating the player into group training, despite his ability to return earlier, to give him enough time for full recovery and to avoid any possible relapse, ensuring he is physically and psychologically ready to participate without concern. Accordingly, Al-Hammadi has become available to coach Jack Wilshere for the team’s upcoming match on Saturday.

The sources concluded by saying that Al-Hammadi made a promise to himself to give his utmost if the coach grants him the opportunity to participate in the attacking line, affirming his desire to make up for the past period he missed due to the urgent and difficult circumstances he went through, and his pursuit to end his journey with Luton Town positively before the end of his loan period in June.