Karim Benzema surprisingly excluded from Al-Ittihad's squad
Al-Ittihad, the reigning Saudi Professional League champions, announced the exclusion of their French star and top scorer, Karim Benzema, from the official squad that will face Al-Fateh in the 19th round of the competition. The decision, made by Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo, sparked widespread controversy in sporting circles, as it was officially stated that the exclusion was due to a "technical viewpoint," a term that often opens the door to numerous speculations about internal disagreements.
Background to the decision and context of the crisis
This exclusion comes after a tense period marked by widespread media reports of a rift between Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, and coach Gallardo. The crisis began when the player returned late from his vacation, resulting in his absence from the team's training camp in Dubai. According to sources, this unexplained absence angered the Argentinian coach, who decided to impose individual training sessions on Benzema upon his return, separate from the main group, as a disciplinary measure. Therefore, his exclusion from the Al-Fateh match is not seen as a purely technical decision aimed at resting the player, but rather as the latest chapter in the ongoing tension between the two.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Domestically, Benzema's absence represents a significant blow to Al-Ittihad, who are striving to improve their results and return to winning ways to compete for a top spot in the Roshan League standings. The team is already struggling with inconsistent performances, and the absence of their captain and top scorer could further complicate their task against a well-organized side like Al-Fateh. Regionally and internationally, this incident highlights the challenges Saudi clubs face in managing the international stars who have recently joined the league. The story is being followed closely by the global media, given that it involves one of the biggest names in world football, thus putting the Saudi league project under intense scrutiny regarding its ability to provide a stable and professional environment for its star players.
Al-Ittihad fans hope the situation will be resolved quickly to ensure a return to focus on the pitch, especially with important matches coming up. The future of the relationship between Benzema and Gallardo remains uncertain and will have a direct impact on the team's performance in the coming period and on the overall image of the club's sporting project.
