However, he struggled to reproduce his form during his second season, being hampered by a persistent back injury that required surgery.[38] His struggles led to him reacting angrily to jeers from fans in a post match interview following a 3–3 draw with Al-Faisaly and prompted manager José Luis Sierra to defend him, stating "In my opinion Kahraba has to play [...] When he’s in form he’s by far the best forward in the team."[39] At the end of the 2017–18 season, Al-Ittihad announced their intention not to sign Kahraba on a permanent deal following the end of his loan spell.[40]