Saudi football fans, particularly those of Al-Ittihad, are anxiously awaiting the next few hours, which will definitively determine the availability of French star Moussa Diaby for the highly anticipated derby against arch-rivals Al-Hilal. Sources close to the situation told Al-Midan Al-Riyadi that the player will undergo a final medical examination to assess his physical fitness for this crucial match, which will be held at the Kingdom Arena as part of the Saudi Professional League.
Diaby is suffering from a recent injury that has kept him out of several important matches for the team, both domestically and continentally. The Al-Ittihad medical staff is working around the clock, intensifying the player's treatment and rehabilitation sessions in a race against time to be fit for the crucial match, which is vital for both teams' pursuit of the league title.
Historical context and importance of the Saudi Clasico
The Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Hilal match, known as the "Saudi Clasico," is one of the most prestigious and intense matches in the history of Asian and Arab football. The rivalry between these two giants stretches back decades, witnessing epic battles for various titles and championships. With the significant growth of the Saudi Professional League and the influx of international stars, this Clasico has acquired a new global dimension. Both teams boast a constellation of prominent international players, such as Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté for Al-Ittihad, and Neymar and Aleksandar Mitrović for Al-Hilal, thus elevating the match's technical and marketing value and making it a focal point for millions worldwide.
The expected impact of Diaby's absence or presence
The importance of Moussa Diaby's participation lies in his being a cornerstone of coach Marcelo Gallardo's attacking plans. The French player is distinguished by his exceptional speed, dribbling skills, and ability to penetrate opposing defenses, making him a valuable asset capable of making a difference in big matches. His potential absence would be a significant blow to Al-Ittihad's attack, forcing the coach to reshuffle his cards and search for replacements capable of filling the void he would leave. On the other hand, his participation, even for just a few minutes, would represent a tremendous morale boost for his teammates and a major technical boost for the team against a tough opponent with a well-rounded attack and defense. The final decision remains pending until the results of medical tests are available, which will determine the player's availability for the top match of the Roshan League round.
