Al-Ittihad Announces Surgery Date for Fernandes After ACL Injury

Al-Ittihad has set a date for Portuguese winger Roger Fernandes to undergo surgery after suffering a torn cruciate ligament, a significant blow for the team ahead of the season's start.

The federation announced that the procedure will take place on August 18 in Lyon, France, performed by Professor Bertrand Sunery-Couté, a specialist in cruciate ligament surgeries.

Fernandez is currently undergoing a rehabilitation program at the club's facilities, under the supervision of the medical staff, with the aim of preparing him adequately before traveling to France for surgery.

The Portuguese winger joined Ittihad on September 5, 2025, signing a contract with the club that runs until June 30, 2029, but has faced a series of injuries since the start of his career.

Fernandez had previously been absent from the pitch due to three injuries before the latest setback, as he suffered a fracture in his foot during the 2021-2022 season, which kept him out for 74 days.

The player's suffering continued in the 2023-2024 season when he sustained a muscle injury in his leg that sidelined him for 44 days, only for the same injury to recur the following season for the same duration.

The current cruciate ligament injury represents the toughest period of absence for Fernandez, as estimates suggest he could be sidelined for around 180 days, bringing his total absences to 342 days.