The Al-Ittihad club granted its French player N'Golo Kante a short leave due to his personal circumstances, in coordination with the technical and administrative staff of the team, according to informed sources for 'Asharq Al-Awsat'.

The sources clarified that Kante has not participated in the team's training since returning from the leave granted by coach Laurent Blanc to the rest of the players, as he was absent on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

They added that the player will continue to be absent for several additional days, as part of his special arrangements, and he is receiving the club's support in managing and coordinating his participation schedules according to his personal circumstances.

This absence comes despite the player's commitment to the instructions of the technical staff, with expectations that he will be ready to gradually return before the anticipated match against Al-Fateh in the second round of the Saudi League.

The sources confirmed that the French star will resume training with the team before the scheduled match on Friday, aiming to regain harmony with his teammates and complete his physical and technical preparation fully.

Al-Ittihad is keen to maintain the readiness of its key players, especially N'Golo Kante, who represents one of the main pillars in the midfield, to ensure the best performance against Al-Fateh and in the upcoming league matches.