A file photo of players celebrating

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 11: International players are set to return to their respective clubs today following the end of their national team duties. Most clubs have intensified their preparations for the resumption of the Zain Premier League.

The league will recommence tomorrow with a match between Khaitan and Yarmouk, kicking off the fourth round. On Saturday, Kuwait Club will face Al-Nasr, while Al-Tadamon will take on Kazma. Sunday will feature Al-Fahaheel against Al-Arabi, and the round will conclude with the highly anticipated clash between Al-Qadisiya and Al-Salmiya.

Currently, Kuwait Club leads the standings with 9 points, ahead of Al-Arabi on goal difference. Al-Salmiya and Al-Fahaheel are tied for third place with 6 points each. Al-Qadisiya, Kazma, Al-Nasr, and Khaitan are all tied with 3 points each, while Al-Tadamon and Yarmouk have 1 point each. Kuwait Club is particularly focused on its upcoming match against Al-Nasr, aiming for another victory. It is also preparing for the Champions League 2 opener against Nasaf of Uzbekistan next Wednesday.

Montenegrin coach Nebojsa Jovovic emphasizes the need for strong performances from all players, given the team's busy schedule and the intermittent absence of international players due to World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Al-Arabi is looking to maintain its positive form, while Al-Salmiya aims to continue its upward trajectory, although facing Al-Qadisiya, which has recently revamped its technical staff and added new players, will be a tough challenge.

Al-Nasr has ramped up training following the cancellation of their external camp. Coach Dhaher Al-Adwani is determined to secure a second consecutive victory, though it will be a difficult task against the league leaders. Additionally, Al-Nasr is actively seeking a replacement for Iraqi player Karrar Amer, who departed the team last week.

By Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff