Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri back in Al-Ittihad training ahead of Al-Khaleej clash

Al-Ittihad have been handed a timely boost ahead of their Saudi Pro League encounter with Al-Khaleej following the return of Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri.

The Jeddah-based side are set to host Al-Khaleej FC on Friday at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Round 24 of the Roshan League.

Preparations for the fixture have gathered momentum with En-Nesyri rejoining group training after recovering from the injury he sustained in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal SFC at Kingdom Arena.

The setback had ruled the forward out of the postponed Round 10 meeting with Al-Hazm FC earlier this week, a contest that also ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

According to Saudi outlet Al-Riyadh, En-Nesyri resumed training on Thursday after completing individual sessions that included light running and ball work during Wednesday’s practice.

His return strengthens Al-Ittihad’s attacking options at a crucial stage of the campaign as they look to climb higher in the standings.

En-Nesyri was not the only player back in the fold. Wednesday’s session also featured the return of Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, who had been sidelined for more than two months following a technical decision by head coach Sergio Conceicao.

The winger had reportedly fallen out of favour after expressing frustration over limited playing time, leading to his exclusion from matchday squads and speculation over a possible exit during the winter transfer window.

The 30-year-old has made just ten appearances for Al-Ittihad this season, with his most recent outing coming on November 21 in a 2-1 victory over Al-Riyadh SC in Round 9 of the Roshan League.

With key figures returning to action, Al-Ittihad will hope to capitalise on the renewed squad depth when they face Al-Khaleej on home soil.