The specter of suspension haunts Bergwijn, and Fabinho will miss Al-Ittihad's match against Al-Ettifaq
The coaching staff of Al-Ittihad Saudi Club faces significant challenges ahead of their anticipated match against Al-Ettifaq, as Dutch star Steven Bergwijn is now at risk of missing upcoming games. This comes after he received his third yellow card in his team's last match against Damac in the Saudi Professional League. The upcoming match is of paramount importance for Al-Ittihad, as they host Al-Ettifaq on Friday evening at 8:30 PM at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (The Shining Jewel) in Jeddah, as part of the sixteenth round of the league.
Significant absences disrupt Al-Ittihad's plans
Al-Ittihad's troubles don't end with the threat of suspension for Bergwijn should he receive another yellow card. The team has also confirmed the absence of a key midfielder, Brazilian star Fabinho . The team will be without "Al-Manara" for the match against Al-Ettifaq after he received a red card in the dramatic 1-1 draw against Damac in the fifteenth round. This absence puts the team in a tactical predicament, given Fabinho's pivotal role in linking the lines and disrupting opposition attacks.
Technical considerations to compensate for absences
On the technical front, the Al-Ittihad coach is facing a positive dilemma in choosing the most suitable player to replace Fabinho. Sources indicate that the choice is primarily between Houssem Aouar and Mohamed Doumbia . The coach is expected to make his final decision during the team's main training session tomorrow, Thursday, where the appropriate tactical approach will be adopted and the starting lineup will be determined based on the players' physical and technical readiness.
The context of the competition and the importance of the three points
This match comes at a crucial time in the Roshan League, as Al-Ittihad seeks to bounce back from their recent draw and continue their climb towards the top of the standings. Matches between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq are considered classics, always characterized by fierce competition and excitement, adding extra pressure on the players and coaching staff to secure a victory and satisfy the large crowd expected in Jeddah.
Impact of the result on the league race
The result of this match will not only affect Al-Ittihad's trajectory but will also have repercussions for the top teams in the league. A victory would significantly boost Al-Ittihad's chances of competing for the title and give the team a tremendous morale boost before entering the crucial upcoming matches, while any further slip-up could widen the gap with the league leaders, making Friday's encounter a do-or-die "final" for the Tigers.
