Injury Clouds Over the Clasico: Diaby's Doubt Looms for Al-Ittihad
4 February 2026
Diaby's injury clouds the Clasico
French winger Moussa Diaby of Al-Ittihad is deepening the team\'s troubles ahead of the Saudi Pro League Clasico against arch-rivals Al-Nassr.
Al-Ittihad travel to Al-Nassr on Friday, to play at Al-Awwal Park, in the 21st round of the Roshen Saudi League.
Just 48 hours before the highly anticipated clash, Diaby missed training on Wednesday, according to the Saudi sports daily Al-Riyadiyah.
The report notes the winger suffered an injury in Tuesday\'s session, casting doubt on his participation.
Diaby\'s absence would be a heavy blow for Al-Ittihad, especially after the departures of other French stars; striker Karim Benzema and midfielder N\'Golo Kanté, in the winter window.
Benzema joined arch-rivals Al-Hilal on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Al-Ittihad, while Al-Ittihad agreed to sell Kanté\'s remaining contract to Fenerbahce.
Al-Ittihad currently sits sixth in the Saudi league table with 34 points, 12 behind second-placed Al-Nassr.
Punchlines: If the injury list grows, the press room will have more coffee than goals. If Benzema and Kanté were a band, they\'d be called \"The Departures\" — tickets sold out before the opener.
