Al-Ittihad could hand new signing Richard Rios an immediate debut against Al-Nassr after the Colombian midfielder arrived in Jeddah ahead of Saturday’s Roshn Saudi League meeting.
Rios, who has joined Al-Ittihad on loan from Benfica during the current transfer window, reached King Abdulaziz International Airport at 22:00 local time on Thursday. The club provided a private jet to accelerate his arrival and give him the maximum possible opportunity to take part in preparations for the fifth-round fixture.
According to sources cited by Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah, Rios is expected to join Al-Ittihad training after sunset on Friday. He will then be assessed during the team’s final session before the derby, with the decision over whether he is included in the matchday squad resting with head coach Jens Wissing.
The sources say the 25-year-old is technically ready to play. However, Wissing will make the final call after evaluating his condition and observing him in training.
Rios’ rapid arrival gives Al-Ittihad’s coaching staff the chance to assess him before one of the most significant matches of the season. The club brought him in on loan from Benfica to strengthen midfield and provide greater tactical flexibility and more options in the centre of the pitch.
If Wissing chooses to select him, Rios could make his first appearance for “The Tigers” in one of the most demanding matches available to him. A debut against Al-Nassr would provide an immediate test of his quality and his ability to adapt quickly to a new team.
Al-Ittihad go into the match sixth in the Roshn Saudi League table with eight points from two wins and two draws. Al-Nassr are second on 12 points, level with leaders Al-Hilal on points but behind them on goal difference.
The timing of Rios’ arrival has increased anticipation among Al-Ittihad supporters, particularly because the club went to the considerable effort of arranging private transport to bring him to Jeddah as quickly as possible. That decision has raised the prospect of the Colombian being involved almost immediately, despite having only just arrived in the country.
The key question now is whether Wissing is prepared to use his new midfielder against Al-Nassr or whether he will wait until a later fixture before introducing him. The coach’s assessment during Friday’s training session is expected to determine whether Rios is given a place in the final squad for Saturday evening’s eagerly awaited clash.
