Algerian international Houssam Aouar missed Al-Ittihad's match against host club Al-Faisaly Saudi on Friday evening, September 11, 2026. The game was a significant fixture as part of the seventh round of the Saudi League for the 2026-2027 season. Al-Ittihad coach Vincenzo Italiano chose to rest Aouar after the player experienced a muscle strain during the preceding match against Al-Fayha on Tuesday. This decision showed the club's cautious approach to managing player fitness, especially for key contributors like Aouar, during a demanding period of the season. The absence of the influential midfielder was a notable point of discussion leading up to the Friday evening encounter.
Match Details and Performance
Despite the absence of their Algerian international, Al-Ittihad secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly Saudi in the seventh round of the Saudi League. This win allowed Al-Ittihad to maintain its strong performance in the 2026-2027 season, demonstrating the depth and resilience of the squad. Prior to missing the match due to his muscle strain, Aouar had contributed significantly to the team's offensive efforts, recording one goal and providing two assists in earlier fixtures across various competitions. His offensive output had been key in several early-season victories. Al-Faisaly, the host club, currently occupies the 17th position in the league standings with a total of 3 points, placing them second to last in the competitive Saudi League table. The victory was a key step for Al-Ittihad in solidifying their position at the top of the league.
Player's Season So Far
Houssam Aouar had been a consistent and indispensable presence for Al-Ittihad throughout the current season prior to his recent injury. Demonstrating his importance and strong fitness, he participated in all eight of the club's matches across various competitions leading up to the Al-Faisaly game. These appearances included key fixtures in the Saudi League, where Al-Ittihad is aiming for a strong title challenge, as well as matches in the local cup, and the preliminary round of the AFC Champions League Elite. His involvement in every game showed his central role in the team's early season strategy and performance across multiple fronts, noting his adaptability and influence in both domestic and continental competitions. The midfielder's consistent inclusion in the starting lineup or as a key substitute had become a hallmark of Al-Ittihad's tactical approach under coach Vincenzo Italiano.
Upcoming Fixture and Outlook
The good news for Al-Ittihad and its supporters is that Houssam Aouar's muscle strain is not considered serious. Medical assessments have indicated that the injury is minor, and the midfielder is expected to make a swift recovery. Consequently, Aouar is anticipated to be available for Al-Ittihad's upcoming match against Qatar SC. That key fixture is scheduled for Monday in Qatar and marks the first round of the AFC Champions League Elite group stage, a competition where Al-Ittihad aims to make a significant impact. His projected return for such an important continental clash will be a boost for the team. Following their recent 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly, Al-Ittihad has moved to the top of the league standings with an impressive 17 points, showcasing their strong start to the 2026-2027 campaign. The club will be looking to carry this domestic momentum into their Asian Champions League endeavors.
