Shock Absences, Bold Moves: Al-Ittihad Fielding Without Benzema and Kanté Faces Al-Najma
1 February 2026
Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição unveiled the starting XI for Al-Ittihad ahead of the Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Najma on Sunday, as they chase a place in the top four.
Al-Ittihad sit sixth with 31 points, while Al-Najma are at the foot of the table with 5, making the match important for both sides: the former to secure a top-four finish, the latter to harvest any points in the survival race.
The XI features notable absences, notably Karim Benzema after renewal talks, and fellow Frenchman N'Golo Kanté who is close to a move to Fenerbahçe, according to multiple sources.
Additionally, Dutchman Stef en Berghuis is sidelined with injury, pushing Conceição to rely on a makeshift frontline and defense.
The clash comes amid a large public following and expectations of an open match as Al-Ittihad seeks to exploit their technical edge against a Najma side looking for its first league win this season.
The lineup was announced as follows:
Goalkeeper: Raiković.
Defense: Danilo Pereira, Hassan Kadsh, Mario Maitai, Mohannad Al-Shinqiti.
Midfield: Fabinho (captain), Mohamed Doumbia, Hamid Al-Ghamdi.
Attack: Mousa Diaby, Roger Verandez, Houssam Awar.
Punchline 1: If football were a sniper, Conceição would be hitting bullseyes—just with fewer casualties and more goals.
Punchline 2: Benzema and Kanté might be missing, but the press will still chase the ball like it’s a magic trick—watch closely, you’ll miss the goal if you blink.
