Cautious Comeback: Alguacil Shields Hamdallah With a Calculated Return Plan
6 February 2026
Return update and cautious plan
In a cautious decision prioritizing player safety, Spaniard Imanol Alguacil, head coach of the Saudi youth team, ruled out his Moroccan star Abdul Razak Hamdallah from facing Al Khoud tomorrow, in the 21st round of the Roshen Pro League.
Yet the veteran striker returned to group training last Wednesday after completing a full therapeutic and conditioning program following a hamstring injury that kept him off the pitches since December 23, during the Gulf Champions League group stage against Al Rayyan.
Despite Hamdallah's positive recovery, the coaching staff laid out a gradual reintegration plan to reintroduce him into the squad, avoiding any potential setback, according to the Saudi daily Al-Riyadhiah.
It is expected that Hamdallah will feature in the continental match against Al Nahda of Oman next Tuesday, in the Gulf Champions League, a cautious step toward full match fitness.
In terms of absences, Frenchman Yassin Adli remains sidelined, while the staff awaits winter reinforcements; likely Fawaz Al-Saqour, Ali Al-Bulaihi, and Haroun Kamara will join the squad against Al Khoud for the first time after the winter mercato.
Shabab currently sits 13th in the standings with 19 points (4 wins, 7 draws, 8 losses), aiming to capitalize upcoming fixtures to improve position and move away from danger, while chasing a better finish to the season.
Team news and path ahead
Shabab currently sits 13th in the standings with 19 points (4 wins, 7 draws, 8 losses), aiming to capitalize upcoming fixtures to improve position and move away from danger, while chasing a better finish to the season.
Punchline 1: If comebacks counted as goals, Hamdallah would be champions.
Punchline 2: Rest now, score later; calendars hate spoilers.
