Moussa Diaby handed timely boost as Al-Ittihad prepare for Al-Kholood

Moussa Diaby is expected to return to full training on Friday and could be available for Al-Ittihad’s opening Roshn Saudi League match against Al-Kholood, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah.

The French winger suffered a knock during Al-Ittihad’s 4-1 victory over UAE club Al-Jazira on Tuesday. That match was the play-off for a place in the league stage of the AFC Champions League Elite.

Al-Ittihad will host Al-Kholood on Saturday at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, with the fixture marking the first round of the Roshn Saudi League season.

Al-Riyadiyah reported that Diaby’s injury was minor and that he would rejoin his team-mates in collective training on Friday. His return would provide a significant boost to Al-Ittihad before their first league fixture.

Diaby may not be the only player to return to contention. Full-back Muhannad Al-Shanqiti and winger Abdulrahman Al-Aboud are also in line to feature after missing the victory over Al-Jazira because of injuries.

Al-Shanqiti and Al-Aboud took part in Al-Ittihad’s group training session on Thursday. The club’s German coach, Jens Vissing, is expected to decide whether either player will be included against Al-Kholood after the team’s main training session on Friday evening.

The potential availability of the trio gives Al-Ittihad further options as they begin their attempt to improve on a disappointing campaign. The club finished fifth in the Saudi league last season, while their runs in the King’s Cup and the Saudi Super Cup ended at the semi-final stage.

Al-Ittihad also exited the AFC Champions League Elite in the quarter-finals. Their 4-1 win against Al-Jazira in Tuesday’s qualifying play-off, however, secured progress to the league stage of this season’s continental competition.

The reports over Diaby’s condition will therefore come as welcome news to Al-Ittihad, who are seeking a stronger domestic start after falling short of expectations in the previous campaign. With Al-Kholood visiting Jeddah on Saturday, the club must now assess the returning players before confirming the final squad.

For Diaby, the planned return to training means the knock sustained against Al-Jazira is not currently expected to prevent him from being involved in the league opener. Selection will be confirmed by the coaching staff following Friday’s final preparations.