Al-Ittihad is preparing for a crucial away match against Al-Hazm, in a rescheduled fixture from the tenth round of the Saudi Professional League. The team, coached by Argentinian Marcelo Gallardo, enters this encounter with several key players absent, presenting a significant challenge as they strive to secure three points and improve their position in the league standings.
Among the key players missing for Al-Ittihad is defender Hassan Kadash, who will be absent due to suspension for accumulating yellow cards, having received a red card in their last match against Al-Hilal in the 23rd round of the league. Kadash's absence is a significant blow to the team's defense, as he is one of the mainstays of coach Gallardo's starting lineup this season.
The context of the match and its importance to both teams
This match takes on added importance given the two teams' positions in the league. Al-Ittihad, the defending champions, are having an inconsistent season and are desperately trying to collect as many points as possible in the remaining rounds to secure a spot in next season's Asian Champions League – the minimum objective for their fans after falling out of title contention. Any slip-up, especially against a team fighting to avoid relegation, could significantly complicate their task and increase the pressure on the coaching staff and players.
On the other hand, Al-Hazm enters the match clinging to hopes of remaining in the Pro League. The team languishes near the bottom of the table, and every point they earn is crucial for their survival. Al-Hazm is expected to play with a high level of fighting spirit on their home ground and in front of their fans, aiming to capitalize on any complacency or weaknesses in their opponent's ranks to achieve a positive result that could prove to be a turning point in their season.
The expected impact of absences on Al-Ittihad's performance
The absence of key players has repercussions not only on the technical side but also on the tactical and psychological aspects of the team. Coach Gallardo will have to find solutions and alternatives to compensate for the shortage, especially in defense. This situation tests the depth of Al-Ittihad's squad and the ability of the substitute players to shoulder the responsibility and deliver the expected performance in a match where dropping points is unacceptable. These absences also come at a critical juncture in the season, when competition demands technical and physical stability, something Al-Ittihad has been severely hampered in this season by a series of injuries and suspensions that have plagued its most prominent local and foreign players.
With the growing global interest in the Saudi Professional League, the results of major teams like Al-Ittihad have become a focus of attention for fans worldwide. Therefore, a team's ability to cope with such challenging circumstances and overcome absences reflects its strong character and squad depth, crucial factors in assessing the level of clubs in major leagues.
