Algerian international Houssem Aouar has handed Al Ittihad a timely boost after fully recovering from the muscle injury that sidelined him for around two months.
The setback kept him out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Algeria exited in the quarter-finals following a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria.
At club level, Aouar’s absence was deeply felt in Jeddah. Since November 2025, he has missed seven matches for Al Ittihad: six in the Roshn Saudi League against Al Riyadh, Al Shabab, Neom, Al Taawoun, Al Khulood, Damac and Al Ettifaq, plus a key AFC Elite Champions League clash with Uzbekistan’s Nasaf.
Now, the playmaker is back in the squad at a crucial moment. Al Ittihad’s official account on X announced the list for Thursday night’s league match against Al Qadsiah in round 17, with Aouar included for the first time since his layoff.
During his spell on the sidelines, coach Sergio Conceicao had to improvise, relying on Dutch star Steven Bergwijn in a central role to cover the creative void. However, Bergwijn has since picked up an unspecified injury, increasing the likelihood that Aouar will not only feature but could start against Al Qadsiah.
Aouar’s return comes with encouraging numbers from earlier in the campaign.
He has made 14 appearances for Al Ittihad this season, scoring four goals and providing one assist, and the club hopes his vision and control in midfield will help stabilise performances as the second half of the season intensifies.
