Al-Ittihad Club received a significant morale and technical boost ahead of their anticipated match against Al-Khaleej, in the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League. This positive news comes at a crucial point in the season, as the "Dean" seeks to improve their position in the standings and return to winning ways.
The return of two influential players to bolster the ranks
Sources close to the club have confirmed that Saleh Al-Shehri and Ahmed Al-Julaidan are fit and available for selection in the upcoming match after fully recovering from their recent muscle injuries. Their absence was felt, as they were forced to miss the previous game against Al-Hazm. The return of Al-Shehri and Al-Julaidan provides the manager with additional options and squad depth, which is crucial given the demanding schedule and intense competition the team is facing this season.
The general context of the confrontation and its importance
Al-Ittihad is scheduled to host Al-Khaleej next Friday evening at 10:00 PM. Al-Ittihad enters the match in sixth place in the Roshan League standings with 39 points. The defending champions aim to secure a victory and claim all three points to climb closer to the top of the table and compete for a spot in next season's Asian competitions. Meanwhile, Al-Khaleej sits in ninth place with 27 points and will be looking for a positive result to ensure their safety from relegation.
Challenges of the title defense season
This season has been full of challenges for Al-Ittihad, who entered the competition as league champions. Despite significant reinforcements with world-class players, the team has suffered from inconsistent performances and results, in addition to a wave of injuries that have affected the stability of the starting lineup at various points throughout the season. Therefore, every upcoming match represents an opportunity to regain confidence and get back on track, and the return of injured players is a crucial step in this direction, as it contributes to boosting morale within the team and strengthening their performance on the field.
The importance of the match in light of global competition
The Saudi Professional League is no longer just a local event; it has become a global spectacle thanks to the presence of top stars. A prestigious club like Al-Ittihad, with its rich history and massive fan base as one of the pillars of Saudi football, bears the responsibility of delivering a performance worthy of the rising reputation of Saudi football. Achieving positive results not only serves the club's ambitions domestically but also enhances the league's competitive image on the international stage, confirming that the competition is fierce and exciting right down to the final rounds.
