Jens Wissing faces Richard Rios decision before Al-Ittihad’s Al-Nassr clash

Al-Ittihad could hand new signing Richard Rios an immediate debut against Al-Nassr after the Colombia midfielder arrived in Jeddah ahead of Saturday evening’s Roshn Saudi League meeting.

Sources told Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah that Rios is expected to join Al-Ittihad’s training after sunset on Friday, giving him the opportunity to take part in the final preparations for the fifth-round fixture.

The 25-year-old arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 22:00 local time on Thursday after travelling on a private aircraft arranged by the club. Al-Ittihad organised the flight to accelerate his arrival and maximise the time available for him to work with his new team before the match.

Rios is considered technically ready to play, but the final decision rests with Al-Ittihad head coach Jens Wissing. The German manager will assess the midfielder during the team’s last training session before deciding whether to include him in the matchday squad.

Rios joined Benfica during the current transfer window on loan, with Al-Ittihad bringing him in to strengthen their midfield and provide Wissing with greater tactical flexibility and more options in the centre of the pitch.

His rapid arrival gives the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate him before one of the most significant matches of the season. Should Wissing name him in the squad, Rios could be involved in a demanding first appearance, facing one of the strongest challenges available in Saudi football only days after completing his move.

Al-Ittihad go into the fixture sixth in the Roshn Saudi League with eight points from four games. They have recorded two wins and two draws so far this season.

Al-Nassr are second on 12 points, level on points with leaders Al-Hilal but behind them on goal difference. The league positions underline the importance of Saturday’s meeting for Al-Ittihad, who will be seeking a result against one of the early title contenders.

The prospect of Rios being involved has created considerable interest among Al-Ittihad supporters. The club’s decision to fly him to Jeddah privately has highlighted its desire to prepare him as quickly as possible, although it does not guarantee that he will play.

Wissing must now choose between taking the risk of using the Colombia international in a high-profile classic or delaying his first appearance until a later fixture. Any decision to start Rios would represent an exceptionally quick introduction to Al-Ittihad and would provide an immediate test of how quickly he can adapt to his new surroundings.

The midfielder’s final assessment in training will determine whether Saturday’s match becomes his first opportunity to represent Al-Ittihad.