Al-Ittihad confirmed that Colombian midfielder Richard Rios suffered a severe left ankle sprain with fibular ligament damage against Abha in the 12th round of the Saudi Roshn Pro League. No return date has been set for him.
Injury confirmed
In an official statement, Al-Ittihad said an MRI scan was carried out after Rios was injured against Abha. The statement said the scan showed a severe sprain to his left ankle, along with damage to the fibular ligament.
How the injury happened
Rios picked up the injury in the opening minutes against Abha after a collision with Alimami Gory. He could not continue and went off injured.
Rehabilitation plan
Al-Ittihad's official statement said Rios now faces a treatment and rehabilitation programme over the coming weeks. The club will monitor his progress through that programme before fixing a date for his return to training and matches.
Impact on upcoming matches
Early signs suggest Rios will miss Al-Ittihad's next two matches: the AFC Champions League Elite clash with Al-Ain and the Roshn League meeting with Neom. Al-Ittihad's staff have opted to start Dion Lopy in midfield for the upcoming Asian tie.
