JEDDAH — The supporters of Al-Ittihad Club are eagerly awaiting details regarding the seriousness of the injury that their star player, Karim Benzema of France, sustained during the match on Monday. The Saudi Professional League match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Wehda, which took place within the first hour of play, involved Benzema. He was forced to leave the field as a result, and Jota from Portugal took his place.
"Team captain Karim Benzema left the first half of the match against Al-Wehda due to a muscular injury," said a statement from Al-Ittihad following the game.
The statement went on to say that "the player will undergo medical examinations in the upcoming hours to accurately diagnose the injury and determine the necessary treatment."
Nuno Esprito Santo, the coach of Al-Ittihad, made the following statement during the post-game press conference: "It's too early to talk about Benzema's readiness for the classic match against Al-Hilal. We must wait and observe.
"The value of substitutes in giving an added edge was evident today," he continued. They put in good work and train hard. We are a team of more than just 11 players, and we all strive for everyday progress.
It's important to remember that Al-Ittihad will play a key game on September 1, which is just three days from now. As part of the fifth round of the domestic league in Jeddah, they will play Al-Hilal in the historic derby. Undoubtedly, the outcome of Benzema's injury will have an impact on the forthcoming crucial game.
