News Article – Benzema’s Return and Adaptation Period with Al-Ittihad
News Article – Benzema’s Return and Adaptation Period with Al-Ittihad
Riyadh – Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema returned to group training on Friday after an absence of more than a month due to injury, with his last appearance being in the match against Al-Shabab on September 20.
Team technical director Nuno Santo said in press statements: “Benzema has returned to training gradually, and his condition is improving day by day. We are happy about his return and hope he will be ready for the upcoming matches.”
The Portuguese coach added: “The current period is difficult for the players, as we play a match every 3 or 4 days. We need good management of the players and to provide them with sufficient rest.”
Al-Ittihad faces a crowded schedule of matches in the coming period, where they will play 4 matches within just 11 days, including the derby match against Al-Nassr next Tuesday.
Benzema had been injured during the Al-Shabab match, where he left in the second half and did not participate in any match after that. His absence raised questions about his future with the team, especially after reports spoke about the possibility of his departure in January.
However, Nuno Santo denied these reports, confirming that Benzema is still an important player in Al-Ittihad’s ranks, and that the team needs his services in the coming stage.
Benzema had joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023, coming from Real Madrid, in a free transfer after his contract with the Spanish club ended. The French player scored 4 goals and made 3 assists in just 8 matches in the Saudi Professional League.
Al-Ittihad occupies third place in the league standings with 20 points from 9 matches, 4 points behind league leaders Al-Hilal. The team is looking to return to the path of victories after drawing in its last two matches against Al-Fayha and Al-Taawoun.
Benzema’s return comes at a critical time for Al-Ittihad, as the team seeks to maintain its chances of competing for the title, especially after its results declined in the recent period.
Al-Ittihad fans hope that Benzema’s return will contribute to improving the team’s performance and results, especially in the upcoming matches that will be decisive in determining the team’s path this season.
Source: Saudi Press Agency (SPA)
السعودية الاخبارية ، موقع إخباري شامل يهتم بتقديم خدمة صحفية متميزة للقارئ، وهدفنا أن نصل لقرائنا الأعزاء بالخبر الأدق والأسرع والحصري بما يليق بقواعد وقيم الأسرة السعودية، لذلك نقدم لكم مجموعة كبيرة من الأخبار المتنوعة داخل الأقسام التالية، الأخبار العالمية و المحلية، الاقتصاد، تكنولوجيا ، فن، أخبار الرياضة، منوعات و سياحة.