Al-Ittihad confirm Richard Rios ankle ligament injury as return date remains unclear

Al-Ittihad have confirmed that Colombian midfielder Richard Rios has suffered an ankle ligament injury, but the Saudi Pro League club have not yet disclosed how serious it is or how long he is expected to be out.

Medical tests showed that Rios has damaged the fibular ligament in his ankle. The 25-year-old will now begin treatment and rehabilitation under the club’s prescribed medical programme.

However, Al-Ittihad’s statement did not specify whether the injury is a grade-one or grade-two problem, leaving the midfielder’s recovery timetable uncertain.

A grade-one injury to the fibular ligament usually takes between two and three weeks to heal. Grade-two damage can keep a player out for between six and eight weeks, depending on the extent of the injury and how he responds to treatment.

Rios’ return to group training will therefore depend on further medical assessments and the results of his rehabilitation. Until the club confirms the severity of the injury, any prediction about his final absence would be premature.

The setback comes at a difficult time for Al-Ittihad, who have lost one of their midfield options ahead of a demanding period in their schedule. The coaching staff will now have to reorganise their choices and find a way to cover Rios’ absence in the coming matches.

Al-Ittihad are due to face Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite on 02 November 2026, adding to the importance of an update on the Colombian’s condition as he begins his recovery.

Supporters are waiting for further news on Rios during his rehabilitation, hoping the injury is limited and that he will not be sidelined for an extended period. Al-Ittihad are expected to provide more details after determining the grade of the injury and the midfielder’s likely date of return.