International Break Leaves Al-Ittihad Short of Foreign Firepower Ahead of Riyadh Clash

Match Context

International duties paused Al-Ittihad just as they prepared for a crucial Saudi Pro League showdown with Al-Riyadh. The game, coming in Week 9, is set to be played at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, with the home side aiming to stretch their improved form.

Return of Key Foreigners

The club welcomed back midfielders Fabinho and Mamadou Doumbia, along with winger Roger Fernandes, after their international commitments. Fabinho participated in Thursday’s team session, signaling that he should be ready for selection if required.

Nevertheless, coach Sergio Conceicao reportedly curtailed training for Doumbia and Fernandes initially, which narrowed their participation window for the approaching match. Minutes logged for each player during the national duties were reviewed, guiding the final call on their involvement.

The squad also saw the return of Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Raiković, Portuguese defender Danilo Pereira, and a potent midfield trio of Fabinho, Ngolo Kanté, and Hassan Awar, in addition to Karim Benzema, Moussa Diaby, and Steven Bergwijn. The coach may still consider fielding a veteran defender if needed, depending on the tactical plan.

Conceicao stressed that Benzema’s fitness remains solid and that medical guidance suggesting rest has not hindered readiness; the French forward is available when required to help build play and threaten the goal.

Prematch Outlook and Stakes

Al-Ittihad currently sit eighth in the standings with 11 points after eight rounds, 13 points behind leaders Al-Nassr. Conceicao is eager to secure his first league victory with the team, having seen four league games yield two defeats and two draws so far this season.

There is also talk of an off-pilter move, with Al-Ittihad reportedly in talks with Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper Raghid Al-Najjar, who could become a winter target given his contract situation and the club’s avowed intent to strengthen the squad.

The coach underscored that the international window provided an opportunity to address some mistakes and refine how the team approaches the next three league fixtures. He warned that these matches require caution, focus, and smart in-game decisions, especially against a side that recently changed its coaching staff.

On the foreign-player selection policy, Conceicao reiterated that there is no embarrassment in choosing the best performers from training, and Benzema’s condition remains favorable for selection when needed. The emphasis is on balanced squad rotation and maintaining momentum as the team eyes a strong finish to the year.

In summary, Al-Ittihad head into a pivotal derby with Riyadh buoyed by the return of key players, but mindful of the ongoing competition for spots among the foreign contingent and the looming transfer chatter that could reshape the squad in January.

Expected lineup note: The coach is likely to lean on a group of experienced foreigners to anchor the attack and midfield, while domestic options fill in at full-back and center-back as required by the tactical plan.

Punchlines: If football had a soundtrack, this break would be the intermission—lots of waiting, but the crowd still wants a goal. And remember: Benzema doesn’t do off-season; he does on-season, every season.