Video: After a six-month absence, Al-Nusairi begins his run-out with Al-Ittihad Having been sidelined since early last season, striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, known as Al-Nusairi, has finally returned to competitive action for Al-Ittihad. The club’s medical staff confirmed that he completed the full pre-match warm-up without discomfort and was subsequently included in the starting XI. Head coach Carlos Carvalhal expressed satisfaction with the forward’s progress, emphasising that the extended lay-off was necessary to fully recover from a persistent groin injury. “We did not want to rush him back too soon,” Carvalhal explained. “The most important thing was to protect his long-term fitness, and now he is ready to contribute.” Al-Nusairi’s return comes at a crucial time for Al-Ittihad, who are chasing a top-three finish in the Saudi Professional League. With 10 matches remaining, the club needs goals, and the Moroccan international’s proven ability to find the net could prove decisive. In his first appearance since September, Al-Nusairi showed flashes of the form that made him one of the league’s most feared attackers. He linked up well with fellow forward Romarinho, exchanged clever one-touch passes, and looked sharp in front of goal. Although he did not score on this occasion, his movement and understanding with the midfielders suggested that goals are not far away. Supporters, who had been calling for his return, welcomed him back with chants and banners. The positive atmosphere inside the stadium appeared to lift the entire team, and Al-Ittihad dominated possession for long periods. The coaching staff will now manage his game time carefully to ensure he regains full match fitness without risking another setback. With Al-Nusairi back in the lineup, Al-Ittihad’s attacking options have received a significant boost. His partnership with Romarinho promises to be a key factor in the club’s push for European qualification, and fans will be hoping that the goals start flowing once again – Health