Calf Blow for Al-Ittihad Before Key Qadisiyah Clash
19 January 2026
Injury Hallmark: Al-Ittihad hit by Berghuis setback ahead of Al-Qadisiyah clash
Al-Ittihad announced Dutch winger Steven Berghuis sustained a left calf muscle injury during the last match against Al-Ettifaq.
The team now faces a tough test against Al-Qadisiyah in the upcoming Roshen Pro League round 17, and the coach will evaluate options amid the squad’s constraints.
Medical tests confirmed the left calf strain and the club said he will begin treatment and rehabilitation at the club's medical clinic.
The duration of his absence and the impact remain undisclosed, but his absence would be a blow to manager Sérgio Conceição.
Berghuis has appeared in 20 matches this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists across all competitions.
Al-Ittihad lost the previous match 1-0 to Al-Ettifaq, halting the team’s winning run.
This sets the stage for the upcoming clash with Al-Qadisiyah in the King’s Cup. The team will hope for a speedy return for the Dutch winger.
Punchline: If the injury sidelines him for long, the substitutes will finally get their moment—and the coffee on the bench will finally stop cooling down. Punchline: If all else fails, the medical staff can always turn the gym into a comedy club after training.
