Al-Ittihad Club received a huge morale and tactical boost ahead of their upcoming match against Al-Akhdoud, with the confirmation that their star right-back, Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, is fit to play. This news alleviates the concerns that had gripped the club's fans after the player suffered an injury in the previous match.
Al-Shanqiti underwent intensive medical and physical tests on the sidelines of the team's training session on Saturday evening, under the supervision of the team's medical staff, to accurately assess his condition and determine his availability for the match. The test results were positive, confirming his full recovery and his ability to play at peak fitness, after his injury during the Al-Qadisiyah match, which ended in an unexpected 2-1 defeat, had raised concerns about a longer absence.
The importance of Al-Shanqiti's return to Al-Ittihad's lineup
The importance of the 26-year-old's return lies in his being a key pillar of the coach's lineup, performing dual roles on both the defensive and offensive fronts. In addition to his solidity in defensive duties, Al-Shanqiti is a valuable asset in building attacks thanks to his rapid runs and precise crosses. The statistics reflect this impact: this season, he has participated in 20 matches, scoring 3 goals and providing 6 assists for his teammates, in a total of 1408 minutes played, highlighting his significant contribution.
Match context and Roshan League challenges
Al-Ittihad hosts Al-Akhdoud on Monday evening at 8:30 PM at their home stadium in front of their fans, in the 18th round of the Saudi Professional League. The match is of particular importance to Al-Ittihad, who are striving to quickly return to winning ways after their recent loss and maintain their position in the title race. Given the intense competition in the league this season, with a host of international stars on the roster, winning every match has become crucial for teams aspiring to the title or securing a place in continental competitions. Therefore, the return of all key players, most notably Al-Shanqiti, is a decisive factor in delivering the desired performance and securing the three points.
