Benzema returns to training to boost Al-Ittihad

Karim Benzema returned to training with Al-Ittihad on Friday night after recovering from a lower-back injury, Arriyadiyah has reported.

Injuries have blighted a stop-start season for the Frenchman, but his return during the international break is timely for Marcelo Gallardo as the coach attempts to salvage what has been a disappointing season for the reigning Saudi Pro League champions.

Meanwhile, Italian international defender Luiz Felipe trained alone under the supervision of the Jeddah club’s medical staff after suffering a muscle injury against Al-Fateh on March 16, a match that Al-Ittihad won 4-2.

Al-Ittihad will next face Al-Fayah in the 25th round of the SPL season next Friday after the end of the international break.

The team currently sits in fourth place in the table on 43 points, four behind third-placed Al-Ahli and 25 from leaders Al-Hilal.