Al-Ittihad Club and its fans received welcome news as young defender Saad Al-Mousa began his journey back to the pitch, starting his rehabilitation and fitness program on Sunday evening. This positive development strengthens the team's defensive options for the remainder of the season, which has been marked by significant challenges in terms of results and injuries.
Saad Al-Mousa was seen performing light jogging exercises on the sidelines of the team's group training session, under the close supervision of the club's medical staff and fitness coach. This stage is considered a crucial step in his recovery process, paving the way for his gradual return to group training and participation in official matches once again.
Background of injury and surgery
The international defender suffered a serious injury – a fracture in his right ankle – which sidelined him for several weeks. Following this injury, the player underwent successful surgery in London, after which he began a period of rest before entering the current phase of physical rehabilitation to regain his full fitness and strength.
The importance of Al-Mousa's return to Al-Ittihad's defense
The return of Saad Al-Mousa is of paramount importance to Al-Ittihad this season. The team, nicknamed "The Dean," has suffered from significant absences in its defense, most notably the long-term absence of Egyptian captain Ahmed Hegazi at the start of the season, in addition to recurring injuries to other players. This shortage of players has affected the team's defensive stability and contributed to inconsistent results in the Saudi Professional League and other competitions.
The 23-year-old Al-Mousa is considered one of the most promising young defensive talents in Saudi football. He joined Al-Ittihad from Al-Ettifaq and quickly proved his worth, participating in 10 matches this season for a total of 831 minutes of play, delivering impressive performances that have made him a key player in the team's lineup. His return represents a significant boost to the squad's depth and provides the coach with additional tactical options to enhance defensive solidity in the remaining domestic and continental competitions.
Impact on the international future
On the international stage, the player's swift and successful return to full fitness is good news for the Saudi national team. With the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers underway, Italian coach Roberto Mancini is keen to have the best available players at his disposal. Al-Mousa is among the players expected to play a prominent role with the Green Falcons in the near future, and his return to regular playing time with his club will significantly boost his chances of securing a permanent place in the national team squad.
