Magic Fix for the Foreign Player Dilemma: Al-Ittihad Reclaims Moath Faqihi
16 December 2025
Magic Fix for the Foreign Player Dilemma: Al-Ittihad Reinstates Moath Faqihi
Al-Ittihad fans welcomed good news in recent hours after left-back Moath Faqihi returned to the squad following a long spell out with an injury.
Faqihi has been sidelined since October, causing him to miss several matches across the Saudi Pro League, the King’s Cup, and the AFC Champions League for the elite squad.
The Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya said the 23-year-old participated in group training on Tuesday ahead of a possible return to fixtures in the near future.
Faqihi had missed the club's Dubai camp, which ended last Sunday, staying at the club's base in Jeddah to continue his treatment and rehabilitation program.
After a one-day rest following the external camp, the young full-back joined the team’s training sessions after recovery.
Faqihi represents a magic solution for coach Sergio Conceicao given his ability to play left-back over Albanian Mario Mitai, which could allow the eight foreign players to be deployed elsewhere.
If Faqihi starts, Conceicao could rely on three foreign players in midfield and the same in attack, alongside Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Raikovic and Portuguese defender Danelo Pereira.
Notably, Faqihi has appeared in six matches for Al-Ittihad across competitions this season, without scoring or assisting a goal.
Punchline 1: The defense is so tight that even the offside rule filed a complaint.
Punchline 2: If these foreigners keep scoring, the trophy might need a passport too.
