Ittihad's Sudden Kanté Absence: The Real Reason Behind the Al-Najma Clash

Kanté's Absence Explained

The club revealed the reason behind the surprise absence of their French star N'Golo Kanté from the upcoming Al-Najma clash in Round 20 of the Saudi Pro League.

Head coach Sérgio Conceição announced the lineup moments earlier, noting Kanté would miss the match.

In a statement posted on X, the club cited a bruise on Kanté's left chest sustained in the previous 2-2 draw with Al-Fateh.

The club also confirmed that Saleh Al-Shehri will sit out due to a right calf muscle injury and will begin a rehabilitation program in the near future.

Earlier reports had linked Kanté's absence to a potential move to Fenerbahçe in the current transfer window, but the club later clarified the real reason.

The absence comes amid ongoing speculation, but the team remains focused on the fixtures ahead. And yes, rumors will keep circulating faster than a ball in stoppage time.

Punchline 1: The absence was so well hidden, even the press needed an ESP to locate it.

Punchline 2: If suspense were a weapon, Kanté would be the sniper—calibrated for precision, but still a bit quiet on the pitch.