Ittihad Gains Fresh Firepower for Saudi Clasico: Benzema, Bergwijn, and Shanqeiti Return
22 October 2025
Al-Ittihad regained three players ahead of the highly anticipated Clasico against their arch-rivals Al-Hilal, scheduled for Friday at the Enmaa Stadium in Jeddah, in the sixth round of the Saudi Pro League.
Saudi outlet Al-Yom reported that Karim Benzema, Steven Bergwijn, and Mohannad Al-Shanqeiti have rejoined the squad after recovering from injuries, and are deemed fit to feature in the match.
The trio reportedly took part in full team training, providing coach Sergio Conceicao with renewed options as he pushes for a valuable home result for the champions.
The return of Benzema could sharpen the attack, with the French icon having trained with the squad after missing the previous game against the Iraqi Police in the Asian Champions League group stage, a match the Tigers won 4-1.
Technically Benzema's involvement would depend on fitness tests, but the club and the player are said to be prioritizing readiness for the Clasico.
Benzema has appeared in five matches this season, scoring three goals but notching an assist so far.
The Return of Benzema
Karim Benzema has rejoined the squad in group training after his absence from the recent match against the Iraqi Police, in the ACL group stage, which Al-Ittihad won 4-1.
Sources say Conceicao has decided to rest him in that game to ensure he is physically and mentally ready for the Clasico against Al-Hilal.
The striker also played against Al-Fayha last Friday in round five of the Saudi Pro League, a 1-1 draw during which he missed a late spot kick.
He has featured in five matches this season, scoring three goals with no assists so far.
Bergwijn Returns
Steven Bergwijn also missed the last match due to injury and was rested by Conceicao in preparation for the Clasico against Al-Hilal.
The Dutch winger, 28, has been one of the team's key attacking outlets this term, with eight appearances, five goals, and one assist.
Team News and Standings Ahead of the Clasico
Mohannad Al-Shanqeiti's return provides a solid defensive option for the side ahead of the big clash.
The right-back had been sidelined since the Stars match on 20 September, missing several domestic and Asian matches.
Defender Hassan Kadish remains a doubt due to a fresh knock, prolonging his absence from training as he undergoes treatment.
Conceicao is chasing his first domestic win with the club when they face Al-Hilal, with Ittihad fifth on the table with 10 points, one behind Al-Hilal in fourth; leaders are Al-Nasr with 15.
In addition to the on-field plans, the atmosphere around the camp is building toward a gripping Clasico in Jeddah.
Punchline 1: If this derby were a sniper mission, the only target would be the net—and even the net would cheer when Benzema strikes.
Punchline 2: Scorelines may be tight, but the jokes will surely flow as freely as the fans react to a late winner.
