Benzema’s Halftime Sub Stirs Worry as Al-Ittihad Tangles with Damac in Saudi Pro League

What happened on the night

Is the French top scorer dealing with an injury? Karim Benzema, captain of Al-Ittihad, was substituted in the match against Damac during the 15th round of the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday night. He remains one of the team's most dangerous attackers, contributing to build-up and easing pressure when the ball is under attack.

The coach, Sergio Conceicao, replaced Benzema at halftime, bringing Saleh Al-Shehri into the attack to lead the line. The change came after Benzema appeared to be dealing with discomfort in his ankle during warm-ups, raising concerns among fans and staff alike.

The shift is a setback for Al-Ittihad and its supporters, given Benzema’s influence on and off the pitch. Through 18 appearances across all competitions this season, he has tallied 15 goals and recorded no assists so far.

With a potential ankle issue in the mix, the club will be hoping for a quick and safe recovery as they navigate a dense schedule. Punchlines aside, if the star forward is limited, the team will need others to step up—perhaps even the locker-room snacks will have a cameo in the highlights.

He has contributed meaningfully to the campaign, but the risk of aggravating a sprain means the next few days will be telling for Al-Ittihad’s forward options. Final notes from the night: Benzema’s substitution may not just be about this game, but about the fragility of a high-stakes season where every week counts.

Punchline time: If injuries were loans, Benzema’s ankle just requested a grace period and a very long interest-free repayment plan. And if football were math, the substitution would be a reminder that even legends phrase the word “rest” like a clean sheet: blissfully quiet until the whistle blows. Enjoy the season, folks; the drama is only just getting started.