Karim Benzema, the star of Al-Ittihad's first football team, surprised the coaching staff by requesting to be excluded from the match against Al-Najma, scheduled for the 20th round of the Roshn Professional League at the Al-Inma Stadium.

Benzema's request came before the anticipated match, amidst a turbulent atmosphere within the Al-Ittihad team, coinciding with the stalled negotiations for renewing the French player's contract.

The reliable journalist Ben Jacobs revealed on his Instagram account that Benzema once again requested not to be included in the squad for Sunday's match.

Ben Jacobs pointed out that the atmosphere within the team is tense, especially with several players nearing the end of their contracts and seeking to leave, a situation that has complicated coach Sergio Conceição's plans.

He explained that Benzema participated in group training normally, but later informed the club that he was not ready to take part in the upcoming match.

He added that Conceição requested the management of the federation to sign a new striker and a central defender, but no deal has been finalized yet.

He concluded by pointing out that the absence of Benzema, along with the injury of Saleh Al-Shehri, puts Al-Ittihad in a clear offensive predicament before facing Al-Najma.