As part of Al-Hilal's first team preparations for the crucial stage of the current season, the club issued an official and detailed statement revealing the latest medical and physical updates regarding its injured players. This medical report comes just days before the anticipated match against Al-Najma, which is part of the 25th round of the Saudi Professional League and is scheduled for Friday evening.

The medical staff at the Riyadh club explained that the two star players, Karim Benzema and Hassan Tambakti, are making steady progress in their rehabilitation programs. Recent days have seen significant improvement in their condition, with both players undertaking intensive training sessions in the gym and beginning specialized fitness drills using the ball. This is a positive sign and indicates that they have reached an advanced stage in their treatment program, paving the way for their imminent return to group training and participation in official matches to bolster the team's ranks.

In a related development, the statement brought good news for Al-Hilal fans regarding the duo Youssef Aksinić and Mohammed Al-Rubaie, as the club confirmed their active participation in the first part of the team's group training session. Following this, the two players continued their individual rehabilitation programs under the direct supervision of the medical staff, a step that reflects a tangible improvement in their physical condition and their approach to full fitness, thus giving the coaching staff additional options in upcoming matches.

On the other hand, Salomon Bouabre was at the Mina Medical Clinic at the club's headquarters, where he underwent a series of thorough medical examinations after experiencing sudden pain in his shoulder. The medical staff is awaiting the final assessment results to determine the nature of the injury and the necessary treatment and rest period before his return to the field.

These medical updates are of paramount importance at this stage of the season, as Al-Hilal's coaching staff strives to have all its key players back in action to ensure peak fitness. The match against Al-Najma is a crucial juncture in the team's Roshan League campaign, as Al-Hilal aims to continue its positive run and solidify its position in the standings. Given the fierce competition in the league this season, a full squad is a decisive factor in achieving the team's domestic objectives.

Al-Ittihad's coaching staff suffered a major blow just days before the highly anticipated Jeddah derby, as midfielder Awad Al-Nashri sustained an injury that has ruled him out of the upcoming match against Al-Ahli. The two teams are preparing to compete in the 25th round of the Saudi Professional League, in a match that carries special significance and historical rivalry, and is scheduled to take place as announced.

Awad Al-Nashri is suffering from a muscle injury sustained recently, which has already sidelined him from participating with Al-Ittihad in recent matches, both domestically and continentally. The player is currently undergoing an intensive treatment and rehabilitation program under the supervision of the club's medical staff, with the aim of accelerating his recovery and returning to bolster the team's ranks in upcoming matches. However, current indications confirm his absence from the derby match, presenting the coaching staff with the challenge of finding a suitable replacement in midfield.

In a related context, Al-Ittihad enters this match with relatively high morale after securing an important victory in the last round of the Saudi Professional League against Al-Khaleej with a clean sheet. The "Tigers" aim to capitalize on this morale boost to continue accumulating points, especially in derby matches, which are not usually decided solely by technical performance, but also by fighting spirit and mental readiness.

The importance of the Jeddah derby and the impact of absences

The Jeddah derby between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli is considered one of the oldest and fiercest derbies in the Arab world and the Middle East, attracting a massive following that extends far beyond local borders. This match takes on added significance given the intense competition in the Saudi Professional League, which has garnered global attention by attracting some of the world's top football stars. Therefore, the absence of a key or influential player like Awad Al-Nashri could disrupt the coaches' plans, especially considering the anticipated tactical battle for control of midfield.

Historically, matches between the two teams have been fiercely contested and exciting, with small details and the players' physical condition often proving decisive. This injury highlights the importance of Al-Ittihad's bench and squad depth, demonstrating their ability to compensate for absences in crucial matches that could shape the title race or determine qualification for Asian championships.

Al-Midan presents to football fans the schedule of matches for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, a day packed with exciting fixtures at both the domestic and European levels. All eyes will be on stadiums across Europe and Saudi Arabia today as crucial matches take place at a critical juncture in the football season, with leagues and cup competitions entering their decisive stages.

English Premier League: The battle for three points

The English Premier League, the most-watched and exciting competition in the world, continues today. The matches in March are of paramount importance as they shape the title race and identify the teams threatened with relegation. A highlight of the day is the clash between hugely popular Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium, a match always characterized by its intensity and physicality. The round also features equally important matches for teams like Everton and Leeds United, who are looking to improve their positions in the middle of the table or escape the bottom.

• 10:30 Leeds United vs Sunderland
• 10:30 Bournemouth vs Brentford
• 10:30 Everton vs Burnley
• 11:15 Wolverhampton vs Liverpool

Spanish King's Cup: The mini-Clásico

In Spain, all eyes are on one of the most anticipated matches of the season in the Copa del Rey, as Catalan giants Barcelona clash with their fierce rivals, Atlético Madrid. This encounter is a classic, a derby that blends Barça's attacking philosophy with Atlético's renowned defensive solidity. These matches always attract a global audience due to the two clubs' rich history in the competition.

• 11:00 Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

Italian and French Cups

The excitement doesn't end there; it extends to Italy and France in the cup competitions, which represent a golden opportunity for clubs to salvage their season with a domestic title. Inter Milan, one of the giants of Italian football, faces Como in a match that, on paper, seems to favor the Nerazzurri, but cup upsets are always possible. Meanwhile, in France, Strasbourg meets Reims in a closely contested match.

• Italian Cup: 11:00 - Como vs Inter
• French Cup: 11:00 - Strasbourg vs Reims

Yellow Saudi League: The battle for promotion

Locally, the excitement continues in the Yellow First Division League, which has witnessed a remarkable development in the technical and competitive level in recent years, as long-established clubs such as Al Wahda and Al Orouba seek to secure their places among the elite or strengthen their presence in the top positions.

• 09:45 Al-Ula vs. Al-Urooba
• 10:30 Al-Wahda vs Al-Ta'i