Saudi club Al-Ittihad received positive news as their Dutch star, Steven Bergwijn, is nearing a return to action after a period of absence due to injury. According to sources close to the club, the player is finalizing his intensive rehabilitation program in preparation for joining the first team's group training sessions.
Bergwijn had been sidelined with a calf injury and underwent a rigorous treatment and rehabilitation program under the supervision of the club's medical staff. He was recently seen running exercises on the sidelines of the team's training session, a move that confirms his near-complete readiness to return. He is expected to undergo final medical and physical tests to determine the exact date of his return to competitive matches.
General context and the player's importance to the team
Bergwijn's return comes at a crucial time for Al-Ittihad, who are competing fiercely on several fronts this season. With the remarkable development of the Saudi Professional League and its attraction of top international stars, maintaining the fitness of all players, especially foreign professionals, has become vital to achieving the desired goals. Al-Ittihad, the reigning league champions, are among the clubs that have strengthened their squad with high-caliber international signings, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 for developing the sports sector.
Bergwijn, 28, is a key attacking player for the team. Before his injury, he had featured in 20 matches this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 1,644 minutes of play, highlighting his significant attacking impact and ability to make a difference. The team has clearly missed his services in their last five league matches against Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Akhdoud, Al-Fateh, Al-Najma, and Al-Nassr.
Expected impact of the return on both the local and Asian levels
Bergwijn's return is expected to provide a significant morale and tactical boost to the team, increasing the manager's tactical options ahead of upcoming matches. Domestically, Al-Ittihad aims to maintain its position at the top of the league table and compete strongly for the title. Continentally, the team is preparing for a crucial match in the AFC Champions League, hosting Al-Gharafa on Tuesday evening in the seventh round of the group stage. Al-Ittihad currently sits in sixth place in its group with nine points, and this match presents an opportunity to strengthen its position in the tournament, which is a strategic objective for the club and its fans. The return of a player of Bergwijn's caliber at this time will enhance the team's attacking prowess and increase its chances of achieving a positive result that serves its continental ambitions.
