Al-Ittihad have been dealt a major blow as midfielder Fabinho is set for a lengthy spell out of action due to an injury.
Al-Ittihad suffers a blow with Fabinho injury
Fabinho joined the Saudi Arabian side from Liverpool last summer and has become a key player for last season’s Saudi Pro League champions. He has made 29 appearances across competitions for them and provided four assists.
However, the Brazilian defensive midfielder is now set to be out of action for at least 10 weeks due to a muscle injury. Al-Ittihad released a statement providing an update on Fabinho’s injury, which read:
“The medical exams for Fabinho, a player of the first football team, showed that there was a left rectus femoris muscle injury, with affectation of the intramuscular tendon. He will need a 10-week treatment plan to recover.”
Fabinho has already suffered injuries earlier this season and this new setback will keep him out of action for 10 weeks. The Brazilian has played in multiple positions at Al-Ittihad this season, mainly his natural position as defensive midfield but also as a centre-back.
Fabinho has loads of experience, having played for the likes of Liverpool and AS Monaco across his career. He came through Fluminese’s academy and joined Rio Ave FC before moving to Real Madrid Castilla on loan in 2012.
He eventually joined AS Monaco from Rio Ave in 2015 and registered 31 goals and 21 assists in 233 games for them, winning one Ligue 1 title. He eventually joined Liverpool in 2018 and became a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Fabinho made 219 appearances for the Reds, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists. He won numerous trophies with Liverpool, including one UEFA Champions League trophy and one Premier League title.
The 30-year-old then left the Reds last summer in a big overhaul at the club and joined Al-Ittihad.
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Al-Ittihad struggling this season
Al-Numoor won the Saudi Pro League title last season, finishing five points above second-placed Al-Nassr. However, despite signing the likes of Karim Benzema and Fabinho, Al-Ittihad have struggled this season.
They are fourth in the league table, a massive 25 points behind leaders Al-Hilal. They have won 12, drawn four and lost seven of their 23 league games so far.
Al-Ittihad also lost against Al-Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup and were eliminated from the AFC Champions League quarter-finals by Al-Hilal.
Al-Ittihad also sacked Nuno Espirito Santo earlier this season and brought in Marcelo Gallardo. They are still active in the Saudi Super Cup though, and will face Al-Wehda in the semi-finals of the competition.