Al-Ittihad prepare Richard Rios for Al-Nassr clash before midfielder arrives

Al-Ittihad are already making plans for new signing Richard Rios to feature in Saturday’s Saudi Pro League clasico against Al-Nassr, despite the Colombia midfielder having been announced as a player only 72 hours before the match.

Al-Ittihad confirmed early on Thursday that they had signed Rios from Benfica on loan until the end of the current season. The agreement does not include an option to buy, according to media reports.

The 26-year-old is due to arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Thursday evening before joining his new team-mates.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Rios will then travel to Al-Ittihad’s training base, where he is expected to undergo on-field assessments on Thursday and Friday. The tests will determine whether he is ready to be included against Al-Nassr.

Al-Ittihad host their traditional rivals at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on Saturday in the fifth round of the Roshn Saudi League. The match is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season, with the timing of Rios’ arrival leaving little time for him to train with his new club before the game.

Rios becomes the fourth midfielder signed by Al-Ittihad during the current summer transfer window. The club have also recruited Saudi players Rakan Kaabi from Al-Fayha and Mukhtar Ali from Al-Ettifaq, as well as Senegalese midfielder Dion Lopy from Spanish club Almeria.

The Colombian spent only one season with Benfica after joining the Portuguese side from Palmeiras last summer. During his time there, he made 51 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing six assists.

Al-Ittihad’s decision to assess Rios immediately reflects their desire to establish whether he can contribute against Al-Nassr, rather than waiting for a later fixture. However, his involvement will depend on the outcome of the medical and physical evaluations carried out before the match.

The move to Jeddah gives Rios a new opportunity after his single campaign in Portugal. His performances for Benfica included a significant number of appearances across domestic and other competitions, while his attacking contribution produced eight goals and six assists.

Al-Ittihad will now monitor his condition after his arrival and decide whether the midfielder can be involved in the squad for Saturday’s meeting. The club’s preparations come as they look to integrate their latest summer signing into a midfield that has already been strengthened by the additions of Kaabi, Ali and Lopy.

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