Al-Ittihad Face Fresh Setback as Ahmed Al-Julaidan Suffers Foot Injury
Al-Ittihad’s difficult run has taken another turn after right-back Ahmed Al-Julaidan sustained an injury during the club’s 2-1 defeat to Shabab Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite. The result in Jeddah added to the Saudi side’s recent frustrations, while uncertainty over Al-Julaidan’s availability now raises questions ahead of their next domestic fixture.
Shabab Al-Ahli claimed all three points at Inma Stadium on Tuesday, handing Al-Ittihad a second consecutive defeat across competitions. The loss was particularly costly in the league phase of the Asian tournament: after drawing their opening match, the Tigers have collected just one point from their first two games.
Al-Julaidan begins rehabilitation after injury diagnosis
Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah reported that Al-Julaidan injured the joint of his right foot during the match against Shabab Al-Ahli. Medical examinations later confirmed a sprain, and the defender is expected to follow a rehabilitation programme over the coming days.
His recovery will be monitored by the club’s medical staff before he can return to full team training. At this stage, it is unclear whether he will be fit to travel for Al-Ittihad’s next league match against Al-Ettifaq. The fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, as part of the tenth round of the Roshn Saudi League.
A short-term absence could be significant for a side balancing domestic pressure with continental commitments. Full-backs are asked to contribute at both ends of the pitch, providing defensive cover while supporting attacks out wide. If Al-Julaidan is unavailable, Al-Ittihad may need to adjust their defensive lineup or rely on a replacement who has had fewer recent minutes.
Two straight defeats increase pressure on the Tigers
The defeat to Shabab Al-Ahli followed a painful 3-2 loss to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League last Saturday. Al-Ittihad showed attacking intent in that contest but were unable to prevent their rivals from taking the points. Back-to-back losses have therefore left the team needing a response, both to restore confidence and to prevent a difficult spell from becoming a longer slump.
Results in the AFC Champions League Elite have also fallen short of expectations. Al-Ittihad began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Qatar’s Al-Shamal, a match that offered an opportunity to make a stronger start. Their defeat in the second round means the club have yet to record a win in the competition.
After two matches, Al-Ittihad have one point and sit 12th in the West region standings. With qualification for the round of 16 at stake, the early table position is a warning rather than a final verdict. There is still time to recover, but the margin for error is shrinking. The Tigers will need to turn upcoming fixtures into points if they are to improve their chances of advancing.
What Al-Ittihad need to improve
The narrow scoreline against Shabab Al-Ahli suggests that the contest was competitive, but the result underlines the importance of making key moments count. In matches at this level, defensive concentration, efficient finishing and control of transitions can decide whether a team earns a point or leaves empty-handed. Al-Ittihad must find more consistency in those areas if they hope to reverse their recent run.
The schedule also presents a test of squad depth. A possible injury to Al-Julaidan comes as the team prepares for another demanding league match, leaving the coaching staff to weigh fitness against the need for continuity. Rushing a player back before he is ready could risk aggravating the injury, while changing the back line may require adjustments elsewhere in the team.
Al-Ettifaq match prediction: fitness and confidence could be decisive
Any prediction for Al-Ittihad’s meeting with Al-Ettifaq should account for the uncertainty surrounding Al-Julaidan and the Tigers’ recent form. Al-Ittihad have the quality to compete, but consecutive defeats may affect confidence, particularly if they concede early or struggle to convert chances. Their performance will likely depend on how quickly they regain defensive stability and whether their attacking players can deliver a more clinical display.
Al-Ettifaq, meanwhile, will see the fixture as an opportunity to take advantage of their opponents’ unsettled spell. That does not make the outcome straightforward: Al-Ittihad remain a dangerous side, especially when they can dictate possession and bring their wide players into the attack. The most important pre-match development may be the final update on Al-Julaidan’s recovery and whether he is cleared to return to group training.
A crucial stretch ahead for Al-Ittihad
For now, the immediate priority is helping Al-Julaidan recover while preparing for a response on the pitch. The defender’s rehabilitation will determine whether he is available for Al-Ettifaq, but the broader challenge is clear: Al-Ittihad need to halt their losing run and start collecting points in the Asian competition.
The Tigers’ season is not defined by two Champions League matches or a pair of domestic defeats. However, the coming fixtures carry added importance. A strong result could restore momentum and ease the pressure; another setback would deepen concern about both their league form and their continental campaign. Al-Ittihad’s response—and the progress of their injured right-back—will be closely watched by supporters in the days ahead.
