Al-Ittihad Club and its fans received worrying news with the confirmation that their French star, Karim Benzema, winner of the Ballon d'Or, will miss several crucial matches due to injury. Medical tests revealed a muscle injury that will sideline him for 10 to 15 days, a significant blow to the club's ambitions both domestically and continentally.
General context: Benzema's first season in Saudi Arabia
Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2013 in a historic transfer from Real Madrid after a glittering career. His move was part of the ambitious project undertaken by the Saudi Public Investment Fund to develop the Saudi Professional League and attract top international football stars, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and others. Despite a strong start, Benzema faced several challenges during his first season, most notably recurring injuries that affected his consistency and participation in a number of important matches, sparking widespread debate about his adaptation to the atmosphere and competition of the Saudi league.
The importance of Benzema's absence and its expected impact
Benzema's absence comes at a critical time for Al-Ittihad, as the team faces crucial matches in various competitions. His absence is a significant loss, both technically and psychologically, given his vast experience and ability to decide matches.
At the domestic level (Roshan League):
Al-Ittihad will be without their captain for crucial matches in the Roshan League competition. His absence significantly weakens the team's attacking prowess and increases the burden on his teammates in the forward line, such as Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, at a time when the team is striving to improve its position in the standings and catch up with the leading teams.
At the regional level (AFC Champions League):
The biggest impact of Benzema's absence may be felt in the continental tournament, where Al-Ittihad aspires to go far and compete for the Asian title. Losing a player of Benzema's caliber in the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League could prove costly for the team, especially when facing strong and well-organized opponents who require all their stars to be at their best.
Matches that Benzema will miss
Based on the expected length of his absence, Benzema is certain to miss at least three key matches, putting coach Marcelo Gallardo in a difficult position to find a suitable replacement. These matches include crucial Rosén league fixtures and advanced stages of other competitions, requiring a strong team effort to compensate for this significant loss.
