Sعود Abdulhamid takes major step towards Lens return after injury absence

Saudi Arabia defender Saud Abdulhamid has moved closer to a competitive comeback after playing 30 minutes in Lens’ 2-0 friendly win over Belgian side Standard Liege.

The appearance was the first positive indication of the right-back’s recovery after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Lens used the match to assess Abdulhamid’s condition and give him practical playing time following his extended absence.

Abdulhamid initially suffered a serious bruising injury during a Lens training session last August. A resulting blood collection prolonged the problem, forcing him to undergo a rehabilitation programme and remain unavailable for selection.

His absence also ruled him out of Saudi Arabia’s squad for Gulf Cup 27, interrupting the promising start he had made with the French club.

Speaking after the friendly, Lens manager Yannick Cahuzac confirmed that several players who had been unavailable for long periods returned to action against Standard Liege. Abdulhamid was among them and was given half an hour after recovering from his injury.

The Saudi defender’s return comes at an important stage of Lens’ season. The club are due to face Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1 on 9 October, before meeting Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on 13 October.

Those two fixtures are expected to provide a clearer indication of whether Abdulhamid is ready to return to competitive football. His involvement against Standard Liege represents an important stage in his recovery, but his ability to regain his rhythm and handle the demands of first-team matches will be assessed carefully.

Abdulhamid now has the opportunity to rebuild his position at Lens gradually after his progress was halted by injury. His involvement in a friendly is an encouraging step, while the club’s upcoming fixtures will determine whether he can quickly return to the manager’s plans.

His progress will also be monitored by the Saudi Arabia national team, with the defender seeking to re-establish himself at both club and international level after missing Gulf Cup 27.