Comeback Countdown: Al-Ittihad’s Defender Poised to Boost Conceição’s Plans

Return of Al-Ittihad's Right-Back Poised to Boost Conceição

Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição, newly appointed at Al-Ittihad, received encouraging news at the start of his tenure as the right-back Mohannad Al-Shenqiti nears a return to full group training. He is in the final phase of his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury, offering a timely boost for a team navigating a demanding schedule.

According to the Saudi daily Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Shenqiti has progressed through the late stage of his program and is working to regain full fitness ahead of competitive action. The injury occurred during a 1-0 win on September 20, a result that left him watching from the sidelines as the team pressed on in the league and cups.

Since then, the defender has missed three matches for Al-Ittihad, starting with the King Cup victory over Al-Wehda, then the league defeat to Al-Nassr, and a brave showing against Shabab Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage. The road back has been steady, and the hope is for him to rejoin training fully in the near future.

In the broader recovery wave, Al-Ittihad also welcomed the return of Algerian midfielder Houssam Aouar to part of the group sessions, with plans to integrate him fully as his training progresses. Aouar, who has been sidelined by a muscle issue, has been easing back into football activities as Conceição works to balance a crowded October calendar.

Last season, Aouar featured in six top-level matches for Al-Ittihad, scoring once and contributing a solid all-around display. The previous campaign saw him appear 32 times across competitions, with a goal and seven assists and a contribution to two trophies, underscoring his importance when fit. Since his academy days with the club, the 26-year-old Al-Shenqiti has made 140 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals and delivering 13 assists, a record that hints at his potential impact when fully match-fit.

Looking ahead, Al-Ittihad faces a grueling October slate. A trip to Al-Fayha in Al Majmaah is on the cards, followed by a prestigious double header: a clash with Al-Hilal at the Al-Inma Stadium on October 24, and aKing’s Cup tie against Al-Nassr on October 28. The schedule tests the squad’s depth and tactical flexibility as Conceição shapes a cohesive unit capable of competing on multiple fronts. The club’s supporters will be watching closely to see if the return of Al-Shenqiti—and the ongoing recovery of Aouar—can translate into momentum at a crucial stage of the season.

Punchline 1: If defense is art, Conceição just hung a new painting in the locker room—minus the signature, because the defense speaks for itself. Punchline 2: My fantasy team’s defense just got a raise; apparently, even the goalkeeper’s eyebrows look confident now.