Al-Ittihad faces a significant challenge ahead of their highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Al-Hilal in the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League, as five of their key players continue their rehabilitation programs, casting serious doubt on their participation in the match. The injured quintet includes Saleh Al-Shehri, Saad Al-Mousa, Faisal Al-Ghamdi, Ahmed Al-Julaidan, and French professional Moussa Diaby, all of whom are continuing their treatment alongside the team's group training sessions.
Historical context and importance of the Saudi Clasico
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad match is known as the "Saudi Clasico," and it is one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in the history of Saudi and Asian football. The encounter represents a historic clash between two giants of Saudi football, one from the capital, Riyadh (Al-Hilal), and the other from Jeddah (Al-Ittihad), each boasting a massive and passionate fan base. This match always carries a special significance that transcends the mere pursuit of three points; it represents a battle to establish footballing supremacy between the two most decorated clubs in the Kingdom.
The importance of the match and its impact on the league's course
The match takes on added importance given the current standings of both teams. Al-Hilal leads the league with a comfortable 53 points and aims for another victory to bring them closer to securing the title and continuing their impressive winning streak this season. On the other hand, Al-Ittihad, the defending champions, are struggling with inconsistent results and currently sit in sixth place with 37 points. A win in this derby would be a valuable opportunity for Al-Ittihad to regain confidence, improve their league position, and maintain their chances of qualifying for the AFC Champions League next season.
The final decision rests with the technical staff
The Al-Ittihad coaching staff, led by their manager, have not yet made a final decision regarding the participation of any of the five injured players in the upcoming match. Their availability will depend on their response to treatment and their physical condition during the team's final training session on Friday. This uncertainty complicates the manager's task of formulating his tactical plans for the game, as the injured players are considered key pillars of the squad. The absence of any of them would be a significant blow to Al-Ittihad's ambitions of securing a positive result in this crucial match, which will be held on Saturday evening at the Kingdom Arena.
