Tijjani Reijnders’ Al Qadsiah debut could come against Al-Ittihad, says Rodgers

Tijjani Reijnders could make his Al Qadsiah debut against Al-Ittihad on Friday, with manager Brendan Rodgers confirming the Netherlands international may feature if his registration is completed in time.

Al Qadsiah host Al-Ittihad at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam in the second round of the Saudi Pro League. The match takes place two days after the club officially announced Reijnders’ arrival from Manchester City in a deal reported to be worth 61m euros.

Rodgers, the Northern Irish manager, was asked about the midfielder’s availability during a news conference on Wednesday, held only minutes after Al Qadsiah confirmed the signing.

Speaking to Saudi newspaper Al-Youm, Rodgers said: “We will see. If Tijjani’s registration status is in order, then he can certainly participate in the match.”

The manager did not provide a definitive confirmation that Reijnders would start or even be included in the squad, but left open the possibility that the 26-year-old could begin his time with Al Qadsiah in one of the season’s early fixtures.

Reijnders joined Manchester City before completing his move to the Saudi Pro League side. His registration remains the key factor in determining whether he can face Al-Ittihad, with Rodgers making clear that the player’s participation depends on the necessary formalities being completed.

Al Qadsiah opened their league campaign before Friday’s meeting with Al-Ittihad and are preparing for a season in which they will compete in four competitions. Alongside the Saudi Pro League, they will contest the King’s Cup and the Saudi Super Cup.

The club will also make its first appearance in the AFC Champions League Elite, marking a significant moment in its history. The continental competition is the most prominent of the four tournaments on Al Qadsiah’s schedule.

Rodgers said his team would approach the campaign with the ambition of challenging for silverware and promised that the squad would give everything in pursuit of success.

“We promise that we will give our best, and we will be a competitive team this season. We will do everything we can to win at least one of the four competitions in which we are participating,” he said.

The arrival of Reijnders is the latest major development for a side preparing to compete across domestic and continental football. Whether the midfielder’s first appearance comes against Al-Ittihad will depend on the completion of his registration, but Rodgers has indicated that the possibility remains open ahead of Friday’s match in Dammam.