French star Karim Benzema, captain of Al-Ittihad, ended his absence from the team by returning to and participating in the group training session held on Tuesday evening. This is a significant step ahead of the team's crucial matches in the Saudi Professional League and other competitions. His return puts an end to a period of speculation and debate surrounding the player's future with the Saudi club.
Background to the transition and rising expectations
Karim Benzema's move to Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 was a sensational transfer on the global stage. He arrived in Jeddah as the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, having won the award for best player in the world after a legendary career with Real Madrid. He was warmly received by Saudi fans, who placed great hopes on him to lead the club to domestic and continental titles, especially given the Roshan League project aimed at attracting top international football stars.
A period of ambiguity and the importance of returning
The past period has been marked by uncertainty surrounding Benzema's situation with the team, as he missed training for weeks, sparking widespread rumors about his desire to leave during the winter transfer window. However, his return to group training sends a clear message of his continued commitment to his contract with the club. His return represents a significant morale and tactical boost for the team, which suffered from inconsistent results during his absence, as Benzema is considered the team's most prominent attacking force and its leader on the pitch.
Expected impact on the team's performance
Benzema's return is expected to have a direct and positive impact on Al-Ittihad's performance in upcoming matches. The team is preparing for tough competition in the Roshan League to improve their position in the standings, in addition to the challenges of the AFC Champions League. Having a player of Benzema's caliber and experience not only enhances the coach's attacking options but also boosts the morale of his teammates and gives the team significant leverage against opponents. Furthermore, his continued presence represents a success for the club's management and the Saudi League project in retaining its star players, thus enhancing the league's image and credibility internationally.
