Theo Hernandez returns to training ahead of Al-Ittihad clash

Al Hilal have been boosted by the return of Theo Hernandez and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to full team training ahead of Saturday’s Saudi league meeting with Al-Ittihad.

The pair took part in the club’s training session in Riyadh on Monday evening, strengthening expectations that they will be available for the eighth round of the competition.

Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah reported that Hernandez had recovered from a groin injury which had kept him out of Al Hilal’s previous four matches.

The France international suffered the problem against Al-Ahli at the beginning of September during the third-round fixture. He subsequently missed league matches against Al-Shabab, Neom and Al-Taawoun, as well as Al Hilal’s opening game in the West region group of the AFC Champions League Elite against Qatar’s Al-Gharafa.

Hernandez is now expected to complete his physical recovery before Saturday’s key fixture against Al-Ittihad.

Milinkovic-Savic also returned to Al Hilal after representing Serbia in the UEFA Nations League. His participation in Monday’s group session means both players are back with the squad as preparations continue for the eighth round of the Saudi league.

Al Hilal will then face Qatar’s Al Sadd on 13 October, 72 hours after the league fixture against Al-Ittihad, in the second round of the continental competition.