Ashleigh Plumptre resumes Al-Ittihad training after injury layoff

Ashleigh Plumptre has returned to training with Al-Ittihad, who sit 17th in the Egyptian Premier League with 36 points from 13 matches. The club’s listed record is three wins, seven draws and three defeats, with 14 goals scored and 14 conceded.

The Nigeria international has been absent since suffering a foot injury that required surgery in March. Her recovery kept her out of action for several months and also ruled her out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria were eliminated in the quarter-finals of that tournament under Justine Madugu. The Super Falcons also failed to reach the inter-confederation playoffs, ending a disappointing campaign for the nine-time African champions.

Plumptre’s return gives Al-Ittihad a versatile defender who can play in central defence or at left-back. The 28-year-old has become an important part of Nigeria’s squad, and her progress will be relevant as the team looks towards its next international engagements.

She is expected to build up carefully before returning to competitive matches after her extended time away. Al-Ittihad’s recent league sequence includes a 2-2 draw at National Bank of Egypt, a 3-0 win over Ismaily, a 1-0 defeat at Ghazl El Mehalla, a 1-0 victory against El Geish and a goalless draw at Coca-Cola.

The club’s next listed fixture is away to Zamalek SC on 21 August 2026. Plumptre’s immediate focus is on completing her recovery and working towards full match fitness before taking part in competitive action.