The Saudi Al-Ittihad Club announced that its captain, French player Karim Benzema, has suffered a muscle injury during the recent training sessions, which forced him to enter a special treatment program inside the club's clinic.

The club clarified that the treatment plan is being coordinated with the medical partner, the International Medical Center, and that the player's health condition will be monitored daily to ensure his return as soon as possible to participate with the team.

Informed sources revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the injury will prevent Benzema from appearing in the upcoming Al-Ittihad match against Al-Fateh, scheduled for Friday in the second round of the Saudi Professional League.

Al-Ittihad has not officially specified the duration of his absence, as his return will depend on the player's response to treatment and his physical readiness after the designated rehabilitation period.

Benzema's absence is considered a significant blow to the team at the start of the season, especially given their heavy reliance on the French striker's experience in leading the attack and providing technical contributions on the field.

In another context, French star N'Golo Kanté has returned to Al-Ittihad training after the special vacation granted to him, to participate in the team's preparations for the match against Al-Fateh.