Al-Hilal close to Hamad Al-Yami return ahead of Al-Ittihad Klassiker

Al-Hilal are nearing the return of right-back Hamad Al-Yami after an eight-month absence, with the Saudi club preparing to face rivals Al-Ittihad in the upcoming Saudi Roshn League Klassiker.

Al-Ittihad will travel to Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on 10 October for the meeting, which is the headline fixture of matchweek eight. The match comes as Al-Hilal continue to lead the league, with 18 points from their opening games.

A week before the fixture, Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya reported that Al-Yami was close to rejoining full team training after making significant progress in his rehabilitation programme.

Al-Yami suffered a patella injury during Al-Hilal’s match against Al-Taawoun on 24 February. The fixture was a postponed game from the 10th round of the Saudi Roshn League. He subsequently underwent surgery in Finland in March.

The defender has spent the intervening period completing a rehabilitation programme, which is now nearing its conclusion. His return to collective training will be followed by a gradual reintegration into official matches in the coming weeks.

Al-Yami’s recovery would give head coach Simone Inzaghi another option at right-back. At present, Inzaghi relies solely on Mohammed Mahzari in that position and has used left-back Meteb Al-Harbi as his replacement when required.

The 27-year-old was an important part of Inzaghi’s plans last season before his injury. He made 27 appearances and provided two assists during that campaign.

Al-Hilal will go into the Al-Ittihad clash looking for another victory to protect their position at the top of the table. They hold a one-point advantage over Al-Ittihad, who are second on 17 points.