Al-ittihad Vs Al-khaleej: al-ittihad vs al-khaleej Preview as En-Nesyri Returns
Youssef En-Nesyri returned to full team training on Thursday after recovering from a minor injury sustained against Al-Hilal, a timely development ahead of the al-ittihad vs al-khaleej fixture scheduled for Friday at 2: 00 PM ET. The striker had been limited to individual sessions and was rested for the previous match against Al-Hazm; his move back into collective work matters because it changes Al-Ittihad's options for selection less than 24 hours before kickoff.
Al-ittihad Vs Al-khaleej: En-Nesyri back in training
En-Nesyri had been confined to individual training while recovering from the minor knock picked up in the Al-Hilal match. Those individual sessions were described as running around the pitch plus some ball work aimed at maintaining fitness and readiness. On Thursday he was expected to join the team's collective training as preparations intensified for the match set for Friday at 2: 00 PM ET.
The striker's return to group sessions is presented as an important boost for the team ahead of the match. It remains unclear at this time whether he will be named in the starting lineup or listed among substitutes; final selection decisions are typically made after the final training and pre-match assessment.
al-ittihad vs al-khaleej: Squad news and absences
Squad news ahead of the match is mixed. One club has confirmed that a professional player from the Union is out of the team's plans for the trip to face Al-Khaleej, a development that removes at least one selection option for that side. In addition, Al-Khaleej are noted to be without King and Schenckfield for the relevant round, which could affect their matchday setup.
For Al-Ittihad, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud is set to participate in the upcoming match, while the side also recently settled for a 1-1 draw against Al-Ahli, a result described as a missed opportunity to secure a win. Those recent match outcomes and the available personnel will shape both teams' tactical choices and matchday rosters.
Timing, immediate implications and what to watch
The match is scheduled for Friday at 2: 00 PM ET. With En-Nesyri rejoining collective training on the day before kickoff, the immediate implication is that Al-Ittihad's attacking options are less constrained than they were while he trained individually. If he takes part in the full final session, coaching staff will have a clearer picture of whether he is fit for a starting role or is better deployed from the bench.
On the other side, the absence of specific players from Al-Khaleej narrows their tactical choices and could force adjustments in formation or personnel usage. The presence of Abdulrahman Al-Aboud for Al-Ittihad provides an additional option in selection for the home side.
Key indicators to monitor before kickoff: the published team sheets, any late fitness updates after the final training, and whether En-Nesyri is listed in the starting XI. If En-Nesyri is cleared and selected, Al-Ittihad's attacking shape is likely to reflect his inclusion. If he is omitted or used sparingly, the team may rely on earlier patterns observed during the recent draw.
Key takeaways
- Youssef En-Nesyri returned to full training on Thursday after a minor injury.
- Al-Khaleej will face the match with known absences; a Union professional is out of plans.
- The game kicks off Friday at 2: 00 PM ET; final lineups will clarify the impact of these updates.
