The Al-Ittihad team received a technical blow ahead of the anticipated match against their rival Al-Ahli in the Jeddah Derby, following confirmation of the absence of one of their offensive players from the awaited encounter in the Saudi Roshn League.

The Al-Inma Stadium within King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah will host the match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli on Friday evening, as part of the twenty-fifth round of the competition.

Press reports revealed that the striker Saleh Al-Shehri will not be included in the Al-Ittihad squad for the derby, due to his physical readiness not being complete yet.

Al-Shahri continues to follow his treatment and rehabilitation program under the supervision of the team's medical staff. He has entered an advanced stage of recovery, and his condition will be evaluated in the coming days to determine his return date.

The player had been away from the field since sustaining a calf muscle injury during the match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Fateh in the 19th round, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

The Union enters the match in fifth place in the league standings with 42 points, while Al-Ahly holds the second position with 59 points after 24 rounds of the competition.