Richard Rios faces spell on sidelines after Al-Ittihad injury

Richard Rios is expected to miss at least two matches for Al-Ittihad after suffering an ankle-joint injury during Friday’s 1-1 draw away to Abha in the Saudi Pro League.

The Colombian midfielder was forced off after only eight minutes at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium, prompting concerns that the injury could keep him out for an extended period.

According to the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Rios will initially be unavailable for two games while Al-Ittihad establish the full extent of the problem.

Al-Ittihad are due to host United Arab Emirates side Al Ain on Monday, 02 November 2026, in the fourth round of the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite.

They will then welcome Neom on Friday, 06 November 2026, in the 13th round of the Saudi Pro League.

The club will learn whether Rios faces a longer absence once the results of his medical examinations are available. The player underwent tests after returning to Jeddah on Friday following the match against Abha.

Rios joined Al-Ittihad during the most recent summer transfer window on loan from Portuguese club Benfica until the end of the season. He has made nine appearances for the club, scoring once and providing two assists.

The injury came as Al-Ittihad drew 1-1 with Abha in the 12th round of the Saudi Pro League. Rios started the match but had to leave the field in the opening stages after sustaining the problem to his left ankle joint.