RIYADH — Saudi football star Salem Al-Dawsari has returned to full training with Al Hilal after recovering from injury, the Saudi Pro League runners-up announced on Sunday. The Riyadh club posted a photo of their captain on social media platform X with the caption: "Salem Al-Dawsari took part in group training after completing his rehabilitation program." The 33-year-old winger had been sidelined for around five weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during the 2-0 victory over Mexico's Pachuca in the final group-stage match of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Al-Dawsari scored the opener in the 22nd minute of that match and was named Man of the Match before being forced off in the 76th minute. His absence meant missing the remainder of Al Hilal's campaign, which included a historic 4-3 extra-time win over English champions Manchester City in the round of 16, followed by a narrow 2-1 quarter-final exit to Brazil's Fluminense. Al-Dawsari's return comes at an ideal time for the Saudi national team, with just two months remaining before the AFC playoff qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Green Falcons face Iraq and Indonesia at home on October 8 and 14, respectively, in Group B. Under French coach Hervé Renard, Saudi Arabia will be aiming to secure a direct World Cup berth for the seventh time in their history, having finished third in Group C of the third round behind Japan and Australia. Al-Dawsari's comeback is a major boost, especially ahead of the crucial clash with Iraq, who are targeting a return to the tournament for the first time since 1986. The veteran forward has earned 92 caps for Saudi Arabia, scoring 24 goals, including three at the FIFA World Cup: against Egypt in Russia 2018, and against Argentina and Mexico in Qatar 2022.
