Three Solutions to Cover Saad Al-Mousa's Absence in the Jeddah Derby
7 November 2025
Three Solutions to Cover Saad Al-Mousa's Absence
Saudi reports on Friday highlighted the tactical choices coach Sergio Conceicao has to replace Saad Al-Mousa for the Jeddah Derby against Al-Ahli, set for Saturday at the Al-Enmaa Stadium as part of Week 8 of the Saudi Pro League. It will be the first major derby of the season and a test of Al-Ittihad's depth.
Conceicao reportedly has three candidates to pair with Danilo Pereira in defense: Hassan Kadsh, Mohammed Bernawi, and the Serbian youngster Yan Carlo Simitch. Each option brings a different profile, and the Portuguese coach will decide after a final training session on Friday. Fabinho, who has been used in that role at times, is currently suspended after a red card in the 4-4 draw with al-Khaleej last weekend.
The Saudi press notes that the decision will be made after a group drill on Friday ahead of the derby, with Conceicao weighing which player can best complement Pereira’s presence at the back and balance the midfield behind them.
Profiles of the Three Candidates
Hassan Kadsh is the most experienced option among the three. He has been a regular in the side when fit, but his return from long-term injury is still being managed. Kadsh’s familiarity with Al-Ittihad’s system could make him the safest pick, provided he is cleared to play without risking a relapse.
Mohammed Bernawi offers a different dimension: he brings energy and a willingness to push forward from the back. Bernawi has logged significant minutes for the club and built a solid understanding with Pereira, though his inexperience at times makes some fans worry about consistency in a derby of this magnitude.
Yan Carlo Simitch, the 20-year-old Serbian defender, presents a long-term prospect. Simitch is versatile, capable of lining up in multiple roles, and his inclusion would be a signal of a focus on squad depth for the coming seasons. His development has been watched closely by fans who hope he can mature quickly on a big stage.
In notes accompanying the match recaps, it’s mentioned that Kadsh has 72 appearances for Al-Ittihad with 3 goals and 2 assists, Bernawi has a heritage of 84 appearances with the club across previous spells, and Simitch has shown potential despite limited senior experience, with a six-match footprint in the current campaign. Kadsh’s depth and leadership could be crucial if he returns to action, but a cautious approach remains likely given his recent injury history.
The backline has also been influenced by rumors of past transfer attempts, notably Al-Ittihad’s failed bid for Abdulrahman Al-Omari from Al-Nassr in the last window, underscoring how much the club trusts homegrown options or veterans to steady the ship.
Injury Update, Context, and Derby Stakes
The injury to Saad Al-Mousa, confirmed by an official club statement, is a right ankle fracture that will require surgery in the coming days, followed by an intensive rehabilitation program under the club’s medical staff. The timing adds complexity just weeks before a major regional competition and ahead of important domestic fixtures, heightening the derby’s significance for the season.
Al-Mousa has been a key player for the team this season, often starting as part of Conceicao’s core defensive setup alongside Pereira. His absence opens space for Kadsh, Bernawi, or Simitch to claim a starting berth, but also puts more pressure on the rotation options and the broader squad to maintain performance levels in defense and transition play.
Kadsh’s potential return is seen as a balance between experience and caution: while his leadership could anchor the line, risks remain given his recent return from injury. Simitch’s multi-position ability could offer tactical flexibility, while Bernawi might provide a steadier defensive presence with the ability to contribute in build-up play. The decision will shape how Al-Ittihad approaches the Derby and how they manage the rest of the calendar, including the Arab Cup soon afterward.
