Concern in Jeddah: Benzema's injury disrupts Al-Ittihad's plans
The latest injury to French star Karim Benzema, the Al-Ittihad striker, has caused concern within the Saudi club, especially given his repeated absences from crucial matches in the Saudi Professional League. The club officially announced that Benzema suffered a hamstring injury, prompting the coaching and medical staff to exclude him from recent matches as a precautionary measure to prevent further complications.
This absence comes at a critical time for Al-Ittihad, who rely heavily on Benzema's experience and goal-scoring prowess. Since joining the team, the player has struggled to consistently deliver the expected level of performance, participating in only a limited number of matches due to recurring injuries, raising questions about his ability to complete his one-and-a-half-year contract.
Context and background: From the pinnacle of European glory to the challenges of the Saudi League
Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 from Real Madrid in a high-profile transfer that was part of the Saudi Pro League's project to attract top international stars. After a legendary career with Real Madrid, during which he won every possible title, Benzema's arrival was seen as a huge boost not only for Al-Ittihad but for the entire league. However, his time in Saudi Arabia has not been without its challenges, with muscle injuries proving a major obstacle to his consistency and brilliance.
Medical analysis: Is Benzema's career nearing its end?
In this context, Dr. Rakan Al-Wabel, a Saudi physician specializing in sports injuries, shed light on the player's health condition. In statements to the "Al-Muntasaf" program, Al-Wabel explained that Benzema's long history of injuries, particularly muscular ones, makes it difficult for him to maintain a high level of physical fitness for more than a year. He added, "The number of muscular injuries he has suffered over the past years, coupled with his advancing age and its impact on his pelvic area, significantly reduces his physical endurance, making it medically difficult for him to continue playing for more than a year.".
Expected impact: Challenges for the federation and an uncertain future for the French star
Al-Wabil pointed out that Benzema has missed approximately 150 days of play throughout his career due to muscle injuries, emphasizing that these recurring absences pose a threat to Al-Ittihad's attack and present the team with a significant challenge. He concluded his analysis by saying, "Karim Benzema's physical lifespan will not exceed one year from now, and if his condition is not managed with extreme caution, his professional career may end prematurely, placing Al-Ittihad's management in a difficult position in the near future." The French star's future with Al-Ittihad appears shrouded in uncertainty, as his immense talent is balanced against the physical challenges he faces at this stage of his career.
