Saudi football fans will be glued to their screens next Friday evening for the highly anticipated clash between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. Amidst these preparations, the participation of Croatian star Marcelo Brozovic, the dynamo of Al-Nassr's midfield, remains uncertain.

The Al-Nassr coaching staff, led by Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, has yet to make a final decision regarding Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic's inclusion in the starting lineup or matchday squad. Brozovic only participated in light jogging around the pitch during Wednesday evening's training session, in addition to performing some individual physical exercises, indicating that he is still in the final stages of his rehabilitation.

The Croatian player is scheduled to undergo a thorough and crucial medical and technical test on the sidelines of Al-Nassr's main training session on Thursday evening. This test will determine his availability to play against Al-Ittihad, or whether he will continue to be sidelined to ensure his safety and prevent further injury.

Background of the injury and the impact of the absence

The Croatian star had missed Al-Nassr's last two league matches against Al-Kholoud and Al-Riyadh due to a thigh muscle injury. Brozovic's absence is a significant blow to Al-Nassr's midfield, given his extensive international experience and exceptional ability to link the lines and control the tempo of the game – qualities the team desperately needs in high-stakes matches like the one against Al-Ittihad.

The two teams' positions in the standings

This match takes on added importance for both teams given their positions in the league table. Al-Nassr enters the game in second place with 46 points, aiming for a victory to close the gap and continue their pursuit of their arch-rivals, league leaders Al-Hilal, who are just one point behind, making any slip-up at this stage of the season unacceptable.

In contrast, Al-Ittihad is looking to improve its image and standing in the league, currently sitting in sixth place with 34 points – a position unworthy of the club's history and the ambitions of its vast fan base. Therefore, this match represents a golden opportunity for Al-Ittihad to return to winning ways and move closer to the top four.

It is worth noting that the match will take place at 8:30 pm next Friday, amid expectations of a large crowd due to the overwhelming popularity of both clubs.

The Al-Qadisiyah coaching staff faces a significant challenge ahead of their anticipated match against Al-Fateh, following the confirmed absence of Italian international striker Matteo Rettigny from the squad for the game scheduled as part of the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. This crucial match will take place at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Al-Khobar, the home ground of the Eastern Province's team.

The absence of Matteo Retegui from this crucial match is due to an administrative suspension resulting from an accumulation of yellow cards. This leaves the coaching staff needing to find alternative attacking solutions to maintain the team's scoring momentum. Retegui had recently delivered outstanding performances, playing a pivotal role in leading Al-Qadsia to a resounding and thrilling 4-2 victory over their neighbors, Al-Khaleej, in the last round, making a strong impression and confirming his high technical value to the team.

In their search for solutions, Al-Qadisiyah's coaching staff decided to field Abdullah Al-Salem as their first choice to replace Retegui in attack against Al-Fateh. Al-Qadisiyah fans are placing great hope in Al-Salem's experience and ability to capitalize on opportunities to fill the void left by the absence of their main striker, especially in a match characterized by its high level of competitiveness among Eastern Province clubs.

This match takes on added importance in the context of the Roshan League standings, as Al-Qadisiyah seeks to continue its positive run and solidify its position at the top of the table, benefiting from the expected home support in Al-Khobar. Matches between Al-Qadisiyah and Al-Fateh are always exciting and competitive, given the historical rivalry between the two clubs and each side's desire to assert its regional dominance and secure the three points that are crucial in the long league campaign.

The Saudi Professional League is witnessing significant qualitative development and fierce competition on all fronts this season, making the absence of any key player a true test of the depth of a team's squad and the coaches' ability to handle unforeseen circumstances. Fans are eagerly awaiting how Al-Qadisiyah will tactically cope with Retegui's absence, and whether Abdullah Al-Salem will seize this opportunity to prove his worth and lead his team to another victory that will bolster the club's ambitions in this exceptional season.

The training session of Al-Nasr's first football team on Wednesday evening witnessed a positive development represented by the participation of French international winger Kingsley Coman, as part of the intensive preparations for the anticipated and fiery encounter against Al-Ittihad Club in the top of the twenty-first round of the Saudi Professional League.

The return of the French star has revived the hopes of Al-Nassr's coaching staff and fans. Koeman had missed the previous match against Al-Riyadh due to a muscle strain, for which the medical staff opted to rest him. Today's training session saw his return to participate in part of the group training, providing an initial indication of his improved physical condition.

Koeman's final stance and the date of the decision

Despite his limited participation today, the French player's position regarding starting or even being included in the squad for the match against Al-Ittihad has not yet been definitively decided. Tomorrow evening's training session will be crucial in determining his full readiness, as he will undergo physical and technical tests to assess his ability to participate in this important classic encounter.

The importance of El Clásico and the battle for the top spot

This match is of paramount importance, far exceeding its significance as a mere three-pointer; it comes at a crucial juncture in the Roshan League. Al-Nassr enters the game with its sights set solely on the top spot, currently sitting in second place with 46 points, just one point behind their arch-rivals, Al-Hilal, who lead the table. Any slip-up by Al-Nassr could widen the gap and make the title race significantly more difficult, making a victory against Al-Ittihad an absolute necessity.

In contrast, Al-Ittihad Club seeks to correct its course and improve its position in the standings, as the Dean occupies the sixth place with (34) points, a position that does not befit the history of the club and the ambitions of its fans, which makes the match an anticipated football battle between Al-Nasr’s desire for the title and Al-Ittihad’s ambition to return to competing for the advanced positions.

Date of the Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad match

Al-Nassr is set to host Al-Ittihad in a highly anticipated football match at 8:30 PM next Friday. All eyes of Saudi and Arab football fans are on this encounter, considered one of the region's fiercest derbies, given the presence of top-level international and local stars on both teams.