Ittihad sets gradual return date for Doumbia and Sharahili

The medical staff of Al-Ittihad has set a timeline for the return of Mohamed Doumbia and Ahmed Sharahili to group training gradually, taking advantage of the international break to give the duo a chance to complete their rehabilitation and recovery.

The players have been undergoing separate rehabilitation programs for weeks, under the supervision of Spanish coach Víctor García Flores, a specialist in physical preparation, with the aim of getting them ready to join the group as soon as possible.

Mohamed Doumbia suffered a cruciate ligament tear during the match against Al-Kholood in the semi-finals of the King Salman Cup at the end of last season, while Ahmed Sharahili underwent surgery on his left ankle before the start of the current season.

The rehabilitation plan coincides with the break related to Saudi Arabia hosting the AFC Champions League Elite, scheduled from January 7 to February 5, allowing the federation the opportunity to work on restoring the fitness of injured players.

In preparation, Al-Ittihad players continued their daily training after receiving a break last Thursday by decision of German coach Jens Wissing, following the postponement of their match against Shabab Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League to December 19.

Al-Ittihad sit fourth in the Saudi Pro League table with 17 points after losing to Al-Hilal in the classic match last Saturday. They also fell to Shabab Al-Ahli in the second round of the AFC Champions League Elite.