Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao, the head coach of Al-Ittihad Club, has excluded his Dutch player Steven Bergwijn from participating in the Clasico match against Al-Hilal in the sixth round of the Roshan Saudi Professional League.

Bergwijn's absence from the Al-Ittihad list was based on a technical decision made by Conceicao after receiving a report from the team's fitness coach, confirming that the player had gained weight in recent times.

Reports indicated that the Portuguese coach preferred to keep the player away from the match against Al-Hilal until he regains the required physical fitness, especially since Conceicao always emphasizes physical discipline as a key factor for participating in matches.

Bergwijn's exclusion serves as a clear warning to the other Al-Ittihad players about the necessity of adhering to the training and physical programs set by the coaching staff to maintain their full readiness throughout the season.

Sources close to the club confirmed that the 28-year-old Dutch player is currently undergoing a special program under the supervision of the fitness coach of the team to lose weight and quickly return to his usual level.

Conceicao is expected to decide on Bergwijn's return to the Al-Ittihad list in the coming weeks, provided he demonstrates full commitment to the designated program and improves his fitness as required before the upcoming matches.