Sports
Details of N'Golo Kanté's injury with Al-Ittihad and its impact on the team
Al-Ittihad Club announced that their French star, N'Golo Kanté, suffered a rib contusion. Learn more about the injury and the potential impact of his absence on the team's performance.
Al-Ittihad Saudi Club officially announced the nature of the injury sustained by their French midfielder, N'Golo Kanté, during the team's recent match against Al-Fateh in the Saudi Professional League. The club issued a statement on Sunday confirming that medical examinations revealed the player suffered a contusion on the left side of his ribcage.
General context and historical background
This announcement has sparked concern among Al-Ittihad fans, especially since Kanté has been a key player in the team's lineup since joining in the summer of 2023. The transfer of the 2018 World Cup winner with France to the Saudi league was a significant step in the club's project to attract international stars. He joined Al-Ittihad from Chelsea after a highly successful spell, which included winning the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Since his arrival, Kanté has proven his high quality and ability to make a difference in midfield thanks to his tireless work rate and exceptional defensive capabilities.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Kante's injury represents a significant blow to Al-Ittihad and their Argentinian coach, Marcelo Gallardo, at a crucial stage of the season. The club stated that the player will undergo an intensive treatment and rehabilitation program under the supervision of the club's medical staff, without specifying the expected duration of his absence, leaving room for speculation about his availability for upcoming matches. The absence of a player of Kante's caliber will directly impact the team's balance, both defensively and in attacking play, and will place additional pressure on his teammates in midfield to compensate for the void he will leave.
Although the injury appears to be a minor bruise, this type of injury to the rib cage can be painful and requires time to fully heal to prevent further complications. The coaching and medical staff are hoping for a speedy recovery for the French player so he can continue helping the team achieve its remaining goals this season. It's worth noting that Kanté, 34, has made 26 appearances for Al-Ittihad across all competitions this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist, accumulating 2,287 minutes of playing time, highlighting his pivotal role and significant importance to the team.
Sports
Karim Benzema's future: Will he move to Al-Hilal and reject Europe?
Latest developments regarding Karim Benzema's future with Al-Ittihad. Reports reveal his inclination to join Al-Hilal and his refusal to return to Europe. Details of the crucial meeting and the French star's future.
The pace of events is heating up in the Saudi Professional League's winter transfer market, with the future of French star Karim Benzema, the Al-Ittihad striker, taking center stage. Just months after his high-profile move to the former league champions, reliable press reports indicate a possible transfer to their arch-rivals, Al-Hilal, a move that could reshape the power dynamics in Saudi football.
According to reliable journalist Santi Ona, who posted on his X-rated account, a return to Europe is not a priority for Benzema at the moment. Ona confirmed that the player had already rejected an offer to join Juventus a few days ago. He added that a crucial meeting is scheduled to take place in the coming hours between Al-Ittihad's management and Benzema's agents to discuss his future, noting that the French striker "is inclined to join Al-Hilal," but a final decision has not yet been made.
Background of the deal and the general context
This development comes amidst the significant transformation underway in the Saudi League, which attracted a host of international football stars in the summer of 2023. The transfer of Karim Benzema, then a Ballon d'Or winner, from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad was one of the most prominent deals of the ambitious Saudi sports project. However, despite a strong start for the player in terms of goalscoring – he scored 16 goals in 21 appearances for Al-Ittihad – the team experienced a decline in results and a crisis of confidence, fueling speculation about the French star's dissatisfaction and his desire for a new challenge.
Importance and expected impact of the deal
Benzema's potential move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal carries implications far beyond a mere player transfer. Domestically , it would be a significant blow to Al-Ittihad and its fans, while conversely, it would dramatically bolster the attacking prowess of league leaders Al-Hilal, potentially deciding the title race decisively. Regionally and internationally , this move, if it materializes, underscores the immense financial power of Saudi clubs and the league's ability to retain its world-class stars, even through domestic transfers. Furthermore, Benzema's decision to remain in Saudi Arabia, at 36 years old, rather than return to Europe sends a clear message about the attractiveness of the Kingdom's football project and its global competitiveness.
Ultimately, all eyes remain on the upcoming meeting that will determine the destination of one of the world's best strikers, in a decision whose repercussions will shape the landscape of competition in Saudi football for years to come.
Sports
Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ahli: The return of Al-Dawsari and Coulibaly strengthens the leader
Al-Hilal is preparing to face Al-Ahli in the Roshan League with a great morale boost from the return of Salem Al-Dawsari and Kalidou Koulibaly, and the appearance of the new talent Mohamed Maïga in training.
Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League leaders, received a huge morale and technical boost ahead of their highly anticipated match against arch-rivals Al-Ahli, a clash eagerly awaited by football fans across the Kingdom. This positive news strengthens Al-Hilal's chances of securing the league title this season.
The team's recent training sessions, led by Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, saw the return of international star Salem Al-Dawsari, who had missed the previous session due to illness (the flu). Al-Dawsari's return is considered a significant boost to the attacking line, given his individual skills and ability to decide matches, thus giving the coach more tactical options. In addition to Al-Dawsari, the defensive stalwart, Senegalese Kalidou Koulibaly, has also been confirmed fit to participate in the derby, restoring stability and strength to the Blue team's back line.
Historical background and importance of the confrontation
Matches between Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli are considered classics of Saudi football, always characterized by intense rivalry and excitement due to the long-standing competition between the two clubs for domestic and continental titles. This season, the match takes on added significance, as Al-Hilal seeks to widen its lead at the top of the table and solidify its dominance, while Al-Ahli, having made a strong comeback, aims to close the gap and reignite the title race. Al-Hilal currently sits in first place with 46 points, while Al-Ahli is in third with 43 points, making the outcome of this match crucial in shaping the title race.
A new face and a promising future
The positive news wasn't limited to the return of injured players; training also saw the first participation of young French player Mohamed Kader Maïga after Al-Hilal finalized his signing. Coach Jesus praised the player's technical abilities, indicating that he represents an important future addition to the team. Although his participation in the Al-Ahli match is not yet confirmed due to some administrative procedures still being completed, his appearance reflects the club's strategy of combining experienced players with young talents to ensure continued success.
Al-Hilal is scheduled to host Al-Ahli on Monday evening at its home ground and in front of its fans, in a match that promises a lot of excitement and challenge, and whose result will be pivotal in determining the course of the Roshan Professional League title this season.
Sports
Saleh Al-Shehri's injury at Al-Ittihad: Duration of absence and its impact on the national team
Al-Ittihad Club officially announced that their striker, Saleh Al-Shehri, has suffered a calf muscle injury. Learn more about the injury, his expected absence, and its impact on the team's and the Saudi national team's plans.
Al-Ittihad Club of Saudi Arabia announced in an official statement released today, Sunday, the nature of the injury sustained by their international striker, Saleh Al-Shehri, confirming that medical examinations revealed a muscle injury in his right leg. This news represents another blow to the team, which is striving to improve its results in the Saudi Professional League.
The club explained that Al-Shehri has already begun his treatment and rehabilitation program under the supervision of the club's medical staff, without specifying the expected duration of his absence from the field, which usually depends on the severity of the injury and the player's response to treatment. This injury comes at a crucial time in the season, as the team relies on all available players to compete strongly in the remaining matches.
General context and impact of the injury
Saleh Al-Shehri joined Al-Ittihad last summer from Al-Hilal, a move that raised high hopes among the club's fans for bolstering the team's attack alongside international stars. This season, Al-Shehri has made 19 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing one assist in 514 minutes of play – statistics that reflect his gradual adaptation to his new team.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Domestically, Al-Shehri's injury will directly impact the attacking options available to Al-Ittihad's manager, placing additional pressure on the team's other strikers. His absence will be particularly noticeable given the intense competition in the league and the club's ambition to secure a high ranking that would qualify them for continental tournaments.
On the international level, Al-Shehri's injury is a cause for concern for the Saudi national team's coaching staff, led by Italian coach Roberto Mancini. Al-Shehri is considered a key player in the Saudi attack, especially in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup. The national team's coaching staff will closely monitor his recovery, hoping for his swift return to the pitch so he can be ready for upcoming international competitions, which require all key players to be in peak physical and technical condition.
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