Toney’s Al Ahli return set for Saturday after England’s World Cup run

Reports in Saudi Arabia say Ivan Toney is expected to return to Al Ahli training on Saturday, as the club’s preparations for the 2026-27 football season continue.

The England striker has been on an extended break since completing his involvement at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Toney is understood to have been given time off following the tournament and will now rejoin his team-mates after missing Al Ahli’s pre-season programme.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Yaum, Toney will report for training the day after tomorrow, Saturday, once his period of rest has ended.

The 30-year-old forward’s final match for England at the World Cup came on 18 July, when he started in a 6-4 victory over France in the play-off for third place. He subsequently began his summer holiday and was absent from Al Ahli’s overseas training camp, which took place in Austria and Portugal during July.

Toney’s absence continued after the squad returned to Jeddah, meaning his first session back will come shortly before the club’s competitive campaign begins.

The striker will find a significantly changed environment when he returns to Al Ahli, with alterations in both the club’s leadership and coaching structure. Former president Khalid Al-Ghamdi has left his position, while German manager Matthias Jaissle has also departed.

Dutch coach Marino Pusic has since arrived to take charge of the team.

There have also been notable changes to the playing squad. Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie and Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez have left the club, while Al Ahli have brought in Armenia international Eduard Spertsyan and Portugal forward Francisco Trincao.

Despite the changes, Toney will aim to continue the successful spell he has enjoyed since joining Al Ahli from Brentford in the summer of 2024. He has spent the past two seasons with the Saudi club and played an important role in its recent achievements.

The England international was among the prominent figures in Al Ahli’s campaign to win the AFC Champions League Elite twice, the first time in the club’s history, as well as the Saudi Super Cup after a nine-year wait.

Al Ahli will officially begin the new season on 13 August, when they face Al-Diriyah in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League. Toney’s return to training on Saturday will give Pusic the opportunity to work with the forward before that first competitive fixture and assess his readiness following his World Cup involvement and extended break.