Al Ittihad are set to host Al Nassr on Matchday 4 of the Saudi Professional League, the place former Actual Madrid teammates and present league stars Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo may sq. off as soon as once more. Forward of Friday’s sport at King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis, Al Ittihad head coach Laurent Blanc provided an replace on Benzema’s availability.
Al Ittihad opened the season within the Saudi Tremendous Cup, the place they already confronted Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Benzema featured in that match however did not make an influence, along with his aspect falling within the semifinals of their first setback of the season.
The French striker responded within the SPL opener with a hat trick in opposition to Al Okhdood in a 5-2 away win. Nevertheless, Al Ittihad later introduced that Benzema sustained a muscle damage throughout coaching earlier than their second league conflict with Al Fateh, and he has been sidelined since.
Following Tuesday’s sport in opposition to Al Wahda, Blanc addressed Benzema’s restoration. “We hope he will likely be prepared for the match in opposition to Al Nassr. He has the will to take part, and we share that need as nicely,” the French coach mentioned, noting that Benzema has rejoined coaching.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr (R) shakes hand with Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad (L) throughout to the Saudi Tremendous Cup semi ultimate.
Benzema has but to look in September, lacking 4 matches between the Saudi Professional League, AFC Champions League Elite, and most just lately the King’s Cup. Regardless of his layoff, his high quality means he would seemingly return straight into the beginning lineup if deemed match.
see additionally
Cristiano Ronaldo impact: How Al-Nassr captain helped Joao Felix thrive in Saudi Professional League after failed stints at Chelsea, Barcelona, and Milan
Will Cristiano Ronaldo characteristic in opposition to Al Ittihad?
Like Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo’s standing has additionally been questioned after his absence in Al Nassr’s King’s Cup debut in opposition to Jeddah Membership. With the staff cruising to a 4-0 win, head coach Jorge Jesus left Ronaldo on the bench.
Requested in regards to the choice, Jesus defined his reasoning. “I didn’t embrace Cristiano Ronaldo, nor João (Felix) and the opposite stars from the beginning as a result of they performed a match simply three days in the past. I wished to protect them from a health perspective for the league, as we’re making ready ourselves bodily and mentally for the upcoming match,” the Portuguese supervisor mentioned in his post-match press convention.
