Al-Ittihad midfielder Richard Rios is facing a lengthy absence after a left-ankle sprain. According to Saudi newspaper Okaz, he will be sidelined until January of next year, ruling him out of several big games including the derby against Al-Ahli on 11 December.
Injury came against Abha
Rios suffered the injury eight minutes into Al-Ittihad's clash with Abha on Friday 30 October. The match was in the twelfth round of the Roshn League.
Rehabilitation at Palmeiras
Rios is working through a rehabilitation programme at Brazilian club Palmeiras. He is hoping to get back on the pitch as soon as he can.
Appearances since joining Al-Ittihad
Rios joined Al-Ittihad in the summer transfer window on loan from Benfica in Portugal until the end of the current season. Since joining, he has made nine appearances across all competitions, scoring once and providing two assists.
