Al-Ittihad boosted by Mamadou Doumbia return after eight-month injury absence

Al-Ittihad have been strengthened by the return of midfielder Mamadou Doumbia to full team training after an absence of about eight months.

The Mali international was back with his team-mates on Monday as he took another step towards competitive football, giving the coaching staff an added option in central midfield ahead of the resumption of action.

Doumbia has been sidelined since suffering a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during Al-Ittihad’s match against Al-Kholood in the King’s Cup last March. The injury required surgery and began a lengthy rehabilitation programme.

He completed his medical and rehabilitation work in Lyon, France, where he progressed through the key stages of his recovery. His return to group training marks the start of the next phase, focused on rebuilding his fitness and football sharpness.

The midfielder is not expected to be rushed back into matches. Al-Ittihad’s coaching staff are planning to increase his training workload gradually, with the aim of avoiding excessive physical strain after such a prolonged period away from action.

Doumbia’s involvement is particularly significant because Colombian midfielder Richard Rios is currently recovering from an ankle injury that is expected to keep him out for several weeks.

His return therefore provides Al-Ittihad with one possible solution to the shortage of midfield options caused by Rios’ absence. However, Doumbia’s involvement in official matches will depend on how he responds to the increased demands of training and the results of assessments of his physical condition.

The club’s technical staff hope he can recover his previous level over the coming weeks. The current plan is to prepare him progressively during December, rather than expose him immediately to the demands of competitive football.

Doumbia’s return to collective training does not mean he has yet been cleared for a match appearance. His progress will continue to be monitored as Al-Ittihad determine when he is ready to make his comeback.