Benzema and Diaby Spark Al-Ittihad’s Derby Comeback: Jeddah Showdown with Al-Ahli Fuelled by a Dynamic Duo

Benzema's Return

The French duo Karim Benzema and Moussa Diaby, stars of Al-Ittihad, have escaped the curse of the Jeddah derby and are primed for the much-anticipated clash with rivals Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

The teams meet on Saturday at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, in the eighth round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League, signifying the season's first major derby.

Benzema Absences

The Saudi press indicated Benzema is fully fit to feature after recovering from a recent foot injury. He had appeared in a 3-0 win over Sharjah in the Elite AFC Champions League, but the midfielder-forward subsequently returned to full training ahead of the derby against Al-Ahli.

Fans have feared a repeat of past absences, as Benzema missed several key fixtures. This season he sat out three league games—scoring wins in two and a draw in another—and was also absent in select AFC Champions League and domestic cup ties.

Additionally, he did not feature in the King’s Cup victory over Al-Wehda in the Round of 32.

Influential Captain

Benzyema's presence continues to lift the team, not only through the armband but also through leadership and ongoing guidance to teammates. He is a pivotal link between midfield and attack, often dropping deeper to receive the ball and orchestrate the build-up, which helps the squad reach dangerous zones.

So far this campaign Benzema has appeared in eight matches for Al-Ittihad, scoring five goals and contributing to the attack in other ways. He recorded a hat-trick in a 5-2 win over Al-Akhud and added a goal in the 2-1 win over Al-Nasr, plus another in the 3-0 win over Sharjah in the Elite AFC Champions League phase.

Diaby's Return

Diaby won't be the only returnee, as French winger Moussa Diaby is set to join Benzema. He had missed some group training sessions ahead of the derby but was expected to participate in the final preparations.

The Riyadh-based newspaper Al-Riyadiya noted Diaby's recent absence was a coach’s decision to rest him before the derby, with him training in the gym; however, a late return to full training suggested he would be involved.

Diaby is back in form after a cautious start to the campaign, scoring and assisting more regularly since Conceicao’s arrival, with eight goal contributions across six matches in different competitions.

Conceicao's Favorite Weapon

Since the Portuguese manager took charge, Diaby has regained his sharpness, delivering key passes and chances. Across seven matches under Conceicao, Diaby has produced two decisive assists and has become more involved in the final third, prompting renewed hope from the club’s supporters.

Diaby has also contributed with goals in league and continental fixtures, including the assist-and-goal sequence that helped his side in important clashes, and a recent assist in the 3-0 victory over Sharjah that underlined his potential when used effectively by the coach.

In addition, Diaby played a role in the 2-1 win over Al-Nasr in the King’s Cup round of 16 and helped set up opportunities that kept Al-Ittihad pressing for dominance across competitions.

Punchline time: If football is a chess match, Benzema just checked your king with a smile and a perfect through-ball.
Punchline time 2: Diaby’s dribbles are so precise that even the football signs a contract for a smoother ride.