Al-Ittihad's absences against Al-Gharafa: An injury crisis hits the Dean in the Asian competition
The first team of Al-Ittihad Saudi Football Club is in a state of high alert, both technically and administratively, just hours before their highly anticipated match against Qatari side Al-Gharafa in the seventh round of the AFC Champions League group stage. This match comes at a particularly sensitive time for the "Dean" (Al-Ittihad's nickname), especially given the significant changes that have recently taken place within the squad.
The repercussions of star departures and the curse of injuries
Al-Ittihad's troubles didn't end with the transfer market changes, which, according to recent reports, saw the departure of world-class duo Karim Benzema to Al-Hilal and N'Golo Kanté to Fenerbahçe. They extended to a sudden injury crisis that struck the core of the starting lineup. The club's media center announced in an official statement that the team will be without eight players at once, putting the coaching staff in a real predicament.
The medical statement explained that the list of absentees includes influential names, as Faisal Al-Ghamdi, Saleh Al-Shehri, Dutchman Steven Bergwijn, and defender Saad Al-Mousa continue their treatment and rehabilitation programs at the club's clinic, which confirms their absence from the anticipated Asian match next Tuesday.
Technical staff solutions and reliance on youth
Under these complex circumstances, the team's manager, Conceição, found himself forced to seek unconventional solutions to fill the gaps in the squad. Sources indicate that the coach decided to utilize a group of young players to compensate for the severe shortage of players, a move that proves to be a double-edged sword against an experienced team like Al Gharafa. The coaching staff is currently evaluating the available players to select the optimal formation that ensures a balance between defense and attack.
Qualification calculations and the importance of the match
This match takes on added importance given the group standings; Al-Ittihad currently sits in sixth place with 9 points, while Al-Gharafa is in ninth with 6 points. A victory for Al-Ittihad in this encounter would significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the second round and avoid the complexities of points calculations in the final matches.
History of the Union in Asian forums
It is worth noting that Al-Ittihad boasts a rich history in Asian championships, having previously reigned supreme on the continent by winning the AFC Champions League title twice consecutively in 2004 and 2005, and making a distinguished appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup. This illustrious history places additional pressure on the current players and the younger generation to maintain the "Tigers'" continental prestige and overcome current obstacles to move forward towards reclaiming Asian glory, despite the difficult circumstances and absences.
