Mario Mitai is at risk of missing Al-Ittihad's match against Neom due to suspension
The Al-Ittihad coaching staff is anxiously awaiting news regarding the readiness of their defense, as Albanian professional Mario Mitai the risk of suspension and absence from the pitch at a crucial juncture in the Saudi Professional League. All eyes will be on King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah next Saturday, where Al-Ittihad will host Al-Shabab in a highly anticipated match.
The specter of the fourth card haunts Mitai
According to current information, Metai enters the match against Al Shabab with three yellow cards, meaning he is just one booking away from an automatic one-match suspension. If he receives a fourth yellow card during the match scheduled for 8:30 PM in the eleventh round of the league, the team will be without his services for the following game.
The following match is of particular importance, as Al-Ittihad will be a tough opponent for Neom on Wednesday, December 31st, at 6:25 PM, at King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk, as part of the twelfth round of the league. The absence of a player of Mitai's caliber could disrupt the coach's plans given the tight schedule and the high level of competition.
Al-Ittihad's position in the standings and the challenges of a comeback
These disciplinary concerns come at a time when Al-Ittihad is striving to improve its position in the league standings. According to the official figures, the team currently sits in seventh place with 14 points, accumulated over the past nine rounds. The team's performance has been inconsistent, with four wins, two draws, and three losses, placing additional pressure on the players to avoid significant absences and focus on securing points.
The importance of El Clásico and its impact on morale
Matches between Al-Ittihad and Al-Shabab are considered classics of Saudi football, always characterized by intense rivalry and huge fan excitement. A victory in such a match is not only about the three points, but also about boosting the morale of the players and fans, and providing a significant impetus to return to the top four and compete for the title. Therefore, tactical and behavioral discipline on the field will be the decisive factor in this encounter, as Al-Ittihad fans hope their team will achieve a positive result without any casualties that could affect their progress in the upcoming rounds, especially given the significant development of the Saudi Professional League and its attraction of some of the world's brightest stars.
