Raiković on the radar as Conceição weighs keeper plans

Update: Raiković's Return and Starting Considerations

Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Raiković of Al-Ittihad is set to resume duties after taking part in team training on Wednesday as the club gears up for Friday's Roshen Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Fayha in Week 5.

The match is scheduled for the City Stadium in Al-Majmaah, and under new Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição the team hopes to regain balance and push back toward winning ways.

Performance in Raiković's Absence

Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reported that the coaching staff are satisfied with his physical and technical condition after completing rehab and returning to full group training without pain in the thigh muscle.

Whether he starts against Al-Fayha will be decided by Conceição, who must weigh his readiness and the medical staff's confidence in his recovery.

Upcoming October Tests and Key Fixtures

Raiković's absence saw five goals conceded in three league games by the team's substitutes, with Hamid Al-Shenqiti conceding two against Al-Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal loss (1-2), while Mohammed Al-Absi conceded three in three league matches, with one clean sheet.

The return is a welcome boost for the players and the coach ahead of a packed October schedule, including a home clash with Al-Hilal in Jeddah and the AFC Champions League trip to Baghdad to face Al-Shorta, followed by a King’s Cup tie against Al-Nassr. The results in these games could shape the rest of the season; if Raiković returns to form, the defense could stabilize quickly.

Two punchlines to close: If Raiković keeps a clean sheet, the league might rename the trophy after him. If not, at least the script will give us a twist you didn’t see coming.