English Premier League
Salem Al-Dawsari returns to Al-Hilal training ahead of Al-Ittihad clash
Salem Al-Dawsari has returned to Al-Hilal’s team training after a three-month absence, raising the possibility that the club captain could feature against Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Hilal will host their traditional rivals at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on 10 October, in the headline fixture of matchweek eight. The club confirmed Al-Dawsari’s return by publishing a photograph of the winger in training, nine days before the match.
The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico was the reason for Al-Dawsari’s extended absence. He required surgery after suffering an injury while representing Saudi Arabia at the tournament and has not played for Al-Hilal since the start of the season.
His return, however, presents a fresh challenge as well as a boost for the Riyadh club. Al-Hilal have signed two players who operate in his position – Netherlands international Crysencio Summerville and Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli.
Al-Dawsari was Al-Hilal’s first-choice left winger last season, but he did not produce his best form after Italian manager Simone Inzaghi took charge of the team.
The 34-year-old, known as “The Tornado”, must now compete for his place in a squad that has added significant options in the wide areas. It remains unclear whether he will be ready to play against Al-Ittihad, despite having resumed collective training.
Al-Hilal go into the derby aiming to strengthen their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League table. They have 18 points from their opening seven matches and lead second-placed Al-Ittihad by one point.
The meeting will therefore pit the league’s top two sides against each other, with Al-Hilal seeking another victory to retain first place and Al-Ittihad looking to overtake them.