Neymar and Benzema in race against time to be fit for 'Saudi clasico'

Nearly a month after they clashed in the quarter-finals of the King Salman Cup, Saudi Arabia’s two most successful clubs – Al Ittihad and Al Hilal – find themselves face to face again, this time in matchweek 5 of the Saudi Pro League.

Back in August, it was Al Hilal who emerged 3-1 victorious thanks to goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Salem Al Dawsari and Malcom. Karim Benzema missed a penalty for Al Ittihad and Romarinho’s lone goal proved merely consolation. Hilal marched on to the final before losing to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in extra time. But a month on, things look quite different for both teams.

The arrival of midfield anchor Fabinho from Liverpool proved to be the missing piece in coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s Al Ittihad jigsaw, with the Brazilian partnering N’Golo Kante in the middle of the park, unlocking the attacking potential of the likes of Igor Coronado and Romarinho. Al Ittihad arrive at Friday's 'Saudi Clasico' boating a 100 per cent start to the SPL season, scoring 12 and conceding none in their four matches.

Despite their perfect record, Saudi champions Ittihad have concerns ahead of the match.

Captain Benzema was withdrawn from their most recent match – a 3-0 win over Al Wehda – just before half time holding his hamstring. Despite no official updates from the club, the signs point towards the 35-year-old Frenchman being sidelined until after the international break at least. Benzema’s replacement, Jota, opened his account for his new club in that match with the second of the three goals, and seems certain to start at Jeddah's Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium.

While Ittihad sweat on the fitness updates for Benzema, Hilal fans are just as eager to learn if they will catch a first glimpse of