RIYADH — Al Hilal received a major boost as Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrović returned to full training on Thursday, offering head coach Jorge Jesus a key attacking option ahead of upcoming matches. However, the club also confirmed that midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić will require a three-week treatment program for his injury. Mitrović had been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury against Al Ittihad in the King's Cup on Jan. 7. His absence coincided with a slump in Al Hilal's form, affecting their Saudi Pro League campaign and their AFC Champions League run, where they suffered a setback in the first leg of the Round of 16 against Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor. His return comes at a crucial time as Al Hilal prepares for the second leg against Pakhtakor next Tuesday. In other team news, Hamad Al-Yami also rejoined group training after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in the recent match against Al Ahli. Meanwhile, defender Hassan Tambakti continued his fitness work with individual drills in the gym and running exercises around the pitch. Al Hilal's squad has now traveled to Al-Qassim for Friday's Saudi Pro League clash against Al Fayha at King Abdullah Sports City in Buraidah. With their title hopes on the line, the Riyadh giants have no room for error and must secure a victory to stay in contention for the league crown.
