Al-Ittihad officially announced the absence of their French star and captain, Karim Benzema, from the upcoming match against Al-Taawoun, a rescheduled fixture from the tenth round of the Saudi Professional League. This absence represents another blow to Al-Ittihad, who are striving to improve their results and return to serious contention for a top spot in the league standings.
The club explained in a brief statement on its official platforms that Benzema will not be able to travel with the team to Buraidah, where the match will be held, due to a hamstring injury. The statement indicated that the player will undergo thorough medical examinations on Tuesday to accurately determine the extent of the injury and establish the necessary treatment and rehabilitation program for his return to the field.
Background to the event: A blockbuster deal and a volatile season
Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 in a historic free transfer after a legendary career with Real Madrid. His arrival marked a turning point for the Saudi Pro League, as he joined a constellation of international stars attracted by Saudi clubs, bringing the league into the global spotlight. Despite a strong start, Benzema suffered a series of injuries that affected his consistency and form, which in turn impacted the team's performance, resulting in a decline in results compared to the previous season when they won the league title.
The importance of absence and its expected impact
Domestically, Benzema's absence presents a significant challenge for the manager and Al-Ittihad, especially in a difficult match against Al-Taawoun, who have been performing exceptionally well this season. His absence deprives the team of a world-class striker and an inspirational leader on the pitch, placing additional pressure on his teammates in the attacking line. This recurring absence also raises concerns among Al-Ittihad fans regarding their star player's ability to provide the necessary boost and contribute to achieving the club's ambitions this season.
On both regional and international levels, news about the stars of the Saudi Professional League, especially a player of Benzema's caliber, receives widespread media and public attention. His injuries highlight the challenges faced by top players in adapting to new environments and competitions, and impact the overall image of the Saudi sports project, which relies heavily on the readiness of these stars to increase the league's global popularity and prestige.
