Al-Ittihad, the reigning Saudi Professional League champions, face a major challenge ahead of their upcoming match in the twentieth round, as the team prepares to meet Al-Najma at Al-Inma Stadium on Sunday, while suffering from multiple and significant absences in its ranks, most notably the uncertainty surrounding the future of its French star Karim Benzema.
General context and challenges of the title holder
Al-Ittihad enters this match after a season that has fallen short of expectations. Despite winning the league title last season and a massive summer signing spree that brought in world-class players, the team has suffered from inconsistent results and performances, causing them to fall out of contention for the top spot. These absences only increase the pressure on Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo, who is striving to get the team back on track and achieve the necessary stability to salvage the season and at least compete for a spot in the AFC Champions League.
List of absences and their artistic impact
The list of confirmed absentees for the match includes some key names. The coaching staff decided to exclude both Farha Al-Shamrani and Fawaz Al-Saqour for technical reasons, a move that may indicate Gallardo's desire to experiment with new tactical options. The team will also be without defender Saad Al-Mousa due to a recent injury, a blow to the back line. Furthermore, the departure of Muath Faqihi, who transferred to Al-Akhdoud during the winter transfer window, has further reduced the available options in the squad. These simultaneous absences put the depth of Al-Ittihad's squad to a real test.
The Benzema affair: A crisis on the horizon?
The biggest crisis remains the uncertain situation surrounding captain Karim Benzema. Press reports indicate a strained relationship between the Ballon d'Or winner and the club's management, particularly following his late return from vacation. Reports suggest that Benzema personally requested to be left out of the upcoming match, fueling speculation about his future with the club. The absence of a leader and goalscorer of Benzema's caliber not only weakens the team's attack but also casts doubt on dressing room stability and player morale at this crucial stage of the season.
Importance and expected impact
This match is a true test of Al-Ittihad's character and their ability to handle crises. The available players will have to redouble their efforts to compensate for the numerical and technical deficiencies. The result of the match could have a direct impact on the team's morale and determine their course in the upcoming rounds of the league, at a time when the club cannot afford any further setbacks that could distance them further from their goals.
