KSAsportz report
RIYADH — In a significant boost for Al Hilal, Saudi football star Salem Al-Dawsari has returned to full training after a recovery period from a hamstring injury, the club announced on Sunday. The Riyadh powerhouse took to social media platform X to share the news, posting a photo of their captain with the caption: “Salem Al-Dawsari took part in group training after completing his rehabilitation program.”
The 33-year-old winger had been out of action for approximately five weeks. He sustained the injury during the club’s 2-0 victory over Mexico’s Pachuca in the final group-stage match of the FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States. In that match, Al-Dawsari scored the opener in the 22nd minute and was named Man of the Match before being substituted in the 76th minute.
During his absence, Al Hilal faced notable challenges, including a historic 4-3 extra-time victory over English champions Manchester City in the round of 16. However, they exited the tournament in the quarter-finals, succumbing to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Brazil’s Fluminense.
Al-Dawsari’s timely return is particularly vital for the Saudi national team, as just two months remain before the AFC playoff qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, slated to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Green Falcons will battle Iraq and Indonesia at home on October 8 and 14, respectively, in Group B of the qualifiers.
Under the guidance of French coach Hervé Renard, Saudi Arabia aims to secure a direct World Cup berth for the seventh time in its history. Currently, the team stands third in Group C of the third round, trailing Japan and Australia.
Al-Dawsari’s return not only strengthens Al Hilal but also adds experience to the national squad ahead of the crucial match against Iraq, a team looking for its first World Cup appearance since 1986.
The veteran forward boasts an impressive record, having earned 92 caps for Saudi Arabia and scored 24 goals, including three memorable strikes at the FIFA World Cup: against Egypt in Russia 2018 and against Argentina and Mexico in Qatar 2022.