Al-Ittihad welcomes back Al-Jalidan and Al-Shehri ahead of Jeddah derby against Al-Ahli
The technical staff of the first football team of Al-Ittihad Club received a huge moral and technical boost, with the confirmation of the readiness of the attacking duo Ahmed Al-Jalidan and Saleh Al-Shehri to participate in official matches, a few days before the big anticipated match in the “Jeddah derby” against the traditional rival Al-Ahli Club.
The duo's return and details of their recovery
The team's group training session on Sunday evening saw the active and gradual participation of the duo, confirming their full recovery from their recent muscle injuries. Ahmed Al-Jalidan had missed the last four matches due to a hamstring injury sustained during the derby against Al-Nassr, while the team was without striker Saleh Al-Shehri for six consecutive matches due to a calf injury. This return is welcome news for Al-Ittihad fans, who are eagerly awaiting the team's return to full strength.
Jeddah derby: A historic rivalry renewed
The upcoming match, scheduled for Friday in the Saudi Professional League, carries special significance that transcends the mere three points at stake. The Jeddah derby, which pits the city's two giants, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli, against each other, is one of the oldest and fiercest derbies in the Arab world and Asia. All eyes are always on King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (The Shining Jewel), where the passionate fan support and vibrant atmosphere create a unique and intense spectacle, placing the players under immense psychological pressure that demands peak physical and mental readiness.
Points calculations and ranking battle
The return of the injured players comes at a crucial time in the league, as Al-Ittihad seeks to improve its position in the overall standings. The "Tigers" enter the match in fifth place with 42 points and hope to use the derby as a springboard to the top four. Meanwhile, Al-Ahli enjoys a stable form, currently sitting in second place with 59 points, making this a direct clash between Al-Ittihad's desire to bounce back and Al-Ahli's ambition to secure its position and challenge for the top spot.
The artistic impact of the return of the injured
From a technical standpoint, the return of Al-Jalidan and Al-Shehri provides the coach with diverse tactical options, particularly in attack. In tight derby matches, individual brilliance and a strong bench are often the decisive factors in breaking down stubborn defenses. Having these ready-made options enhances Al-Ittihad's chances of imposing their style and controlling the flow of the upcoming match, which promises to be a thrilling and competitive encounter.
