Al-Ittihad, the reigning Saudi Professional League champions, released an official statement detailing the health status of eight of their players, a significant blow to the team at a crucial stage of the season. This announcement has raised concerns among the club's fans, who are hoping the team will continue its successful run both domestically and continentally.
According to a statement released Saturday evening, the club's medical department continues to closely monitor the health of four players undergoing specialized treatment and rehabilitation programs: Faisal Al-Ghamdi, Saleh Al-Shehri, Steven Bergwijn, and Saad Al-Mousa. The injuries sustained by these four players require a period of rest and rehabilitation before they can return to group training and matches.
In contrast, the club clarified that four other players had undergone treatment for minor injuries in recent days: Roger Fernandez, Moussa Diaby, Ahmed Sharahili, and Muhannad Sharahili. Although their injuries were described as minor, the simultaneous absence of so many players presents the coaching staff, led by the manager, with significant tactical challenges in selecting the appropriate lineup for upcoming matches.
General context and the impact of injuries on the Dean's career
This announcement comes at a critical time for Al-Ittihad, who are striving to defend their Saudi Pro League title and compete strongly in the King's Cup and the AFC Champions League. Following a historic season in which they clinched the league title, the club entered the summer transfer market aggressively, signing several high-profile international players, thus raising the expectations of their fans. This wave of injuries, affecting both local and foreign players, represents a true test of the squad's depth and its ability to cope with the pressure of matches and significant absences.
The importance and expected impact of absences
The absence of eight players at once not only affects the coach's options but also impacts the team's morale and technical stability. Losing key players, or even important substitutes, forces the coaching staff to change their plans and tactics, and can disrupt the players' cohesion on the field. The team will need to find quick solutions to overcome this setback, especially with crucial matches approaching in various competitions, where every point and every game is of paramount importance in this fiercely competitive race. Al-Ittihad fans eagerly await the return of their injured players so the team can regain its full strength and continue its quest for more titles and achievements.
