Al-Ittihad captain Ahmed Sharahili closes in on season debut

Al-Ittihad defender and captain Ahmed Sharahili is nearing a return to action and could make his first appearance of the season after the next international break, known as the “FIFA virus”.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya, Al-Ittihad manager Jens Wissing is expected to have the 32-year-old available once the international period ends.

Sharahili suffered a tear to the tendon of the peroneus longus muscle in his left ankle in July while carrying out an individual training programme with his personal coach.

He has since completed his rehabilitation programme and is now considered ready to play, Al-Riyadiya reported.

His return would provide a significant boost for Wissing, with Sharahili one of Al-Ittihad’s leading figures and the club having experienced defensive shortages since the start of the current season.

Sharahili returned to the “Tigers” last season after recovering from surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament injury. However, he sustained another injury before the new campaign began, delaying his involvement again.

The Saudi defender made 20 appearances for Al-Ittihad last season but did not score or provide an assist.