Bench Wreaking: Al-Ittihad Star Benched Before Saudi Pro League Scuffle with Al-Kholood
7 January 2026
Disciplinary setback sidelines Al-Aboud ahead of Al-Ittihad's clash with Al-Kholood
Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, a key Al-Ittihad player, will miss the upcoming match against Al-Kholood, scheduled for Friday at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Buraydah.
The Western Club travels to face its opponent in Round 14 of the Saudi Roshen Pro League, as it seeks to maintain momentum in the table.
Discipline, training, and context around the sanction
Saudi outlet Al-Riyadhiah reports that Al-Aboud is undergoing daily individual training in the club’s fitness facility in Jeddah, in line with coach Sergio Conceicao's decision following a previous dispute between the two sides.
The paper adds that Al-Aboud remains under Conceicao's sanction, meaning his absence against Al-Kholood comes after he missed recent clashes with Al-Shabab, Neom and Al-Taawoun.
To date, Al-Aboud has appeared in 151 games for the Tigers across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing 22 assists.
Notably, Al-Ittihad announced in early December that Al-Aboud's contract has been extended to 2027, keeping the 30-year-old at the club for several more campaigns.
The team sits sixth in the Saudi Roshen League with 23 points, having seven wins and two draws against three defeats.
Punchline 1: If discipline were a sport, Conceicao just granted Al-Aboud a longer timeout than my Wi‑Fi during a video call.
Punchline 2: Don’t worry, fans — his comeback will be so stylish that even the scoreboard will demand an encore.
