Benzema's Absence, Unlimited Confidence: Al-Ittihad's Courageous Quest in Baghdad
19 October 2025
Match Preview and Stakes
Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao of Al-Ittihad Jeddah pledged full confidence in his group to cover Karim Benzema's absence for the upcoming AFC Champions League Elite duel with Al-Shorta.
Al-Ittihad will travel to Baghdad on Monday to play at the City Stadium, as part of the third round of the Elite competition.
Injuries and Availability
The Saudi giant will be without Benzema, Moamen Suleiman and Steven Bergwijn due to injuries, while the rest of the squad prepares for a demanding fixture list.
Conceicao's Perspective
“Karim Benzema is a very important player and his presence cannot be denied,” Conceicao said at the pre-match press conference. “We know the opponent is strong; we have analyzed their strengths and weaknesses, and the team has evolved in recent years. We will take the match seriously.”
He also noted the squad’s readiness to face a challenging test, emphasizing collective effort over relying on a single star.
Potential Lineup and Prospects
The club’s provisional lineup featured goalkeeper Bridž Raiković, a defensive quartet including Ahmed Al-Juleidan, Danilo Pereira, Carlo Simic, Mario Metai, and midfielders N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho Tavares, and Houssam Aouar, with Moussa Diaby, Saleh Al-Shehri, and Roger Fernandes leading the attack.
Al-Ittihad currently sits 11th in the Elite group with zero points after two losses to Shabab Al-Ahli and Al-Wahda of the UAE. Al-Shorta, by contrast, has one point after a draw with Al-Sadd and a defeat to Al-Gharafa.
Context, Schedule, and Market Value
After returning from Iraq, the team will clash in a fiery Saudi Clasico against Al-Hilal on Friday, then face Al-Nasr in the King Cup last-16 on October 28. Market-value reports crown Al-Ittihad at roughly €146.28 million, well ahead of Al-Shorta’s €6 million, with Moussa Diaby valued at about €30 million as the top-rated player in the two squads.
