Ilenikhena injury leaves Al-Ittihad facing الهلال test with En-Nesyri as only striker

Al-Ittihad manager Jens Vissing is waiting for the latest medical report on Nigeria forward George Ilenikhena, with the striker’s chances of facing Al-Hilal appearing to diminish.

The club’s medical and coaching teams are monitoring Ilenikhena’s condition and are in direct contact with their counterparts in the Nigeria national team. The aim is to establish the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation programme, while determining when he can resume training.

No date has yet been set for the 18-year-old’s return to training. That uncertainty has raised doubts over whether he will be fit for Al-Ittihad’s next Roshn Saudi League fixture, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah.

Ilenikhena suffered a physical problem while on international duty with Nigeria. He later came on as a substitute for the final 15 minutes of the 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau.

That appearance followed his first international goal for the Super Eagles against Madagascar in the previous round of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.

His availability is particularly important to Vissing because of the strong start Ilenikhena has made since joining Al-Ittihad’s campaign. According to data from the Saudi Professional League, he has scored four goals and provided two assists in six Roshn Saudi League appearances this season.

The situation comes at a difficult time for Al-Ittihad, who are second in the table with 17 points. They trail leaders Al-Hilal by one point, making Saturday’s meeting between the sides one of the most significant matches of the eighth round.

With Ilenikhena’s participation now in doubt, Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri is set to be the only recognised centre-forward available to Al-Ittihad for the match.

Al-Ittihad travel to face Al-Hilal at Kingdom Arena on Saturday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00. Vissing will use the final medical assessment to decide whether Ilenikhena can return in time for the fixture or must sit out the meeting.

The decision will be closely watched by the Al-Ittihad coaching staff, given the forward’s contribution during the opening six league matches and the narrow gap separating the two teams at the top of the table.