Al-Ittihad Club received an important morale boost before its anticipated match against its traditional rival Al-Hilal, as the team’s main training session on Friday witnessed the return of young midfielder Faisal Al-Ghamdi to participate in group training after his full recovery from the injury that recently kept him off the field.
Al-Ghamdi successfully completed his intensive rehabilitation and treatment program, which he underwent after suffering a hamstring injury in his left thigh. The injury occurred during his team's match against Uzbekistan's Navbahor in the AFC Champions League in February 2024, forcing him to miss several important matches.
General context and historical background: The Saudi football classic
The Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Hilal match, known as the "Saudi Clasico," is one of the most prominent and intense rivalries in the history of Saudi and Asian football. The rivalry between these two giants spans decades and is always characterized by passionate fans and high-level technical skill on the pitch. This season's encounters between the two teams have a special significance, as they have met in several tournaments, further intensifying the competition and creating a highly charged atmosphere before each match.
The importance of the match and the impact of Al-Ghamdi's return
The upcoming match is of paramount importance to both teams. Al-Hilal, currently leading the Saudi Professional League with 53 points, aims to extend their winning streak and widen the gap at the top of the table to maintain their unbeaten record. Al-Ittihad, sitting in sixth place with 37 points, enters the match with the goal of improving their position in the standings and clinging to their hopes of qualifying for Asian competitions, as well as achieving a morale-boosting victory to avenge their previous defeat against their rivals.
The return of Faisal Al-Ghamdi represents a significant additional option for Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo in midfield. Despite his limited appearances this season – 12 matches across all competitions, during which he scored one goal and provided one assist in 277 minutes of play – Al-Ghamdi's dynamism and ability to link the lines could provide the team with a much-needed boost in a match of this magnitude. Gallardo will assess the player's final technical and physical readiness after Friday's training session to determine his availability for the Clásico, whether as a starter or a valuable substitute.
Al-Ittihad is scheduled to visit Al-Hilal at 10:00 PM on Saturday, as part of the 23rd round of the Saudi Roshan League, in a round named “Founding Day”.
