Al-Ittihad suffered a major blow with the confirmed absence of their French star and captain, Karim Benzema, from the upcoming match against Al-Taawoun due to a muscle injury. This unexpected absence opens the door wide for veteran Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah to return and lead the team's attack in this crucial Saudi Pro League match.
General context: An inconsistent season for Benzema and Al-Ittihad
Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 in a historic transfer that shook the world of football and formed part of the Saudi Pro League's project to attract the game's biggest stars. Despite a strong start, Benzema suffered a series of recurring injuries that affected his playing time and sidelined him for several important matches. His latest absence adds to the challenges facing the team, which is striving to improve its position in the league standings and secure a spot in next season's Asian competitions.
The importance of the match and the impact of the captain's absence
The match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Taawoun is of paramount importance to both teams, as Al-Taawoun is a direct competitor for the top spots and has been performing exceptionally well this season. Benzema's absence not only means losing a world-class striker, but also a leader and experienced player capable of making a difference in crucial moments. The coach will have to reshuffle his tactical plans and rely on available solutions to compensate for this significant void in the attack.
A golden opportunity for Abderrazak Hamdallah
On the other hand, Benzema's absence presents a valuable opportunity for Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, who was the team's top scorer before the French star's arrival. Despite a dip in form at times this season, Hamdallah has repeatedly demonstrated his prolific goal-scoring ability and clinical finishing inside the penalty area. This match will be a true test for him to prove his worth, regain the trust of the fans and coaching staff, and lead the team to a vital victory that will boost their chances in the competition. The Al-Ittihad fans are hoping Hamdallah will convert this opportunity into decisive goals against Al-Taawoun.
