Salem Al-Dawsari set to return for Al Hilal against Al-Ittihad

Al Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari is expected to return to the squad for Saturday’s Saudi Clasico against Al-Ittihad after a lengthy absence.

The winger is likely to begin the match on the bench, according to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya, having been out since July following surgery on a knee tendon.

Al-Dawsari’s involvement will be decided by Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi, with the Italian expected to assess whether and when he is needed during the match.

The 34-year-old resumed full team training last Thursday after completing his rehabilitation programme. His return to collective training marked the latest stage of his recovery, which included a period of treatment and rehabilitation before he could begin running again.

Al-Dawsari’s last appearance for Al Hilal came on 21 May 2026, when he featured against Al Feiha on the final day of the league season. He subsequently joined Saudi Arabia’s preparatory camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup finals.

He underwent surgery on the knee tendon in July and has been recovering since then. The injury also ruled him out of Gulf 27 with Saudi Arabia.