Unlucky Star Ahmed Sharahili Poised for Return as Al-Ittihad Seeks Defensive Rebound
15 November 2025
Sharahili's Comeback Takes Shape
The Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao is hopeful for the return of his defender Ahmed Sharahili, who has been sidelined by an injury in recent months.
According to Saudi daily Al-Riyadia, Sharahili has begun a fitness program after finishing treatment, moving into the second phase of rehabilitation as he targets a return to the first team.
The 31-year-old defender, who is recovering from a hamstring/back muscle issue, has started running around the pitch with the medical staff, aiming to raise his conditioning and join team training soon.
The coach believes his presence is crucial as the team's defensive line has struggled lately, with Sharahili's experience representing a steadying influence.
In total, Sharahili has appeared in only three matches this season for 45 minutes: one in the Saudi Pro League, one in the AFC Champions League Elite, and one in the King’s Cup. Since joining Al-Ittihad in 2022 from Al-Shabab he has played 39 games and scored 4 goals with another 4 assists before injury interrupted his momentum. He suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in September 2023 which sidelined him for more than a year, and he has gradually returned to running and training as his contract with the club is renewed.
Contract renewals
The club's technical committee has paused renewal talks for Karim Benzema, Fabinho, and N'Golo Kanté, despite their contracts ending at season's end.
According to the Saudi daily Al-Yawm, Kanté, Benzema and Fabinho are eager to stay with Al-Ittihad, but the committee wants to delay any decision. Conceicao reportedly hopes to extend Benzema and Danilo Pereira, a plan that could influence the squad's balance and leadership on and off the pitch.
The French striker Benzema brings top-level attacking experience; Danilo Pereira offers versatility in defense and midfield, and leadership within the group. The coach is expected to submit a detailed report to club management outlining his impressions and plans since arriving at the club.
Conceicao's pledge
Conceicao has also promised winger Steven Berghuis a starting berth in the Riyadh match, though the Dutchman has started only two games since the Portuguese arrived, with a few more as a substitute.
Berghuis started the draw with Al-Faisaly 1-1 and the win over Al-Sharjah in the Champions League Elite but featured as a substitute in the win over Al-Nassr, and has missed several matches in other competitions due to tactical choices and form concerns, fueling locker-room chatter.
Under Conceicao, Al-Ittihad has won matches outside the Saudi Pro League but recorded some domestic stumbles; they have scored 14 goals in 7 games while conceding 10, highlighting defensive fragility despite offensive progress.
Two punchlines to wrap it up, Sniper-style: 1) Injuries are the only thing that gets longer minutes than Sharahili’s rehab—he’s chasing a comeback like a late-night bus. 2) If defense were a joke, Sharahili would be the punchline—watch him come back and suddenly the backline gets a standing ovation.
