Aouar's Timely Return Sparks Al-Ittihad's Push

Injury comeback fuels Al-Ittihad's push

The Algerian star Houssam Aouar is back at the Al-Ittihad camp, fully recovered from a muscular injury that sidelined him for about two months and kept him out of Algeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The absence was keenly felt by the Desert Foxes, who exited the continental tournament in the quarterfinals after a 2-0 loss to Nigeria.

At the club, the official Al-Ittihad account on X announced the squad for a meeting with Al-Qadisiyah, scheduled for tomorrow evening as part of the 17th round of the Roshen Pro League, marking Aouar’s return to first-team action.

Aouar had not featured for the Emir since November/December 2025, presenting a tactical challenge for Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição, who turned to Dutchman Steven Berghuis in the midfield to cover the absence.

During his injury, Aouar missed seven matches with the club, six in the Pro League against Riyadh, Al Shabab, Neom, Al Taawoun, Al Wehda, Damac and Al Ettifaq, plus one AFC Champions League clash with Nasaf.

Aouar’s return comes at the perfect moment, especially after Berghuis suffered a mysterious injury, boosting the Algerian international’s chances of starting against Al-Qadisiyah as he looks to regain form after this season’s 14 appearances, four goals and one assist.

Punchline: If comebacks had a soundtrack, this one would be a drum solo—Al-Ittihad, keep the rhythm.

Punchline: And if the defense keeps guessing, even the offside flag might start cheering us on.