Hamad Al-Yami return: Al Hilal right-back nears training before the Clasico

The Hamad Al-Yami return is getting close for Al Hilal after an eight-month absence, according to a Goal report translated from the Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah. His return could not come at a better time, with the Clasico against Al-Ittihad due at the Kingdom Arena on 10 October.

What we know about the Hamad Al-Yami return

Goal says Al-Yami is nearing a return to group training. He injured his kneecap against Al-Taawoun on 24 February and had surgery in Finland in March. Since then he has worked through a rehabilitation programme he is close to finishing. Read the full Goal report.

The report says he has not yet been cleared for matches. It describes him as expected to rejoin group training and feature in official games “in the weeks ahead”. Al Hilal have not confirmed a date. Goal’s report does not say whether the Hamad Al-Yami return will come in time for the Clasico, and the club has not commented on his match fitness.

Why the right-back comeback matters

The Hamad Al-Yami return would help at right-back. According to Goal, manager Simone Inzaghi has relied on Mohammed Mahzari at right-back, moving left-back Mutaib Al-Harbi across to cover. Last season Al-Yami made 27 appearances before his injury and set up two goals.

Al-Ittihad travel to the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on 10 October, where Al Hilal host them in the standout fixture of the eighth round of the Roshn Saudi League. Al Hilal lead the table on 18 points, one clear of second place. A win in the Clasico would keep them top.

We will update this Hamad Al-Yami return story if the club confirms a date. For more on the squad, see Ollie Watkins back in Al Hilal group training before the Clasico.