Al-Ahli Club is preparing to play an important match against Al-Hazm as part of the twenty-first round of the Saudi Professional League. The team will enter the match with an incomplete squad due to significant absences imposed by suspensions and the technical choices of German coach Matthias Jäsle.
Details of absences and their direct impact
At the top of the list of absentees for Al-Ahli is right-back Ali Majrashi, who will miss the match due to automatic suspension after receiving a straight red card in the last and difficult game against league leaders Al-Hilal. Majrashi's absence is a blow to the team's defense, as he is considered one of the cornerstones of coach Yassla's lineup, forcing him to find a suitable replacement to maintain defensive balance. In addition, the coach decided to exclude Brazilian player Matheus Gonçalves for technical reasons related to the number of foreign players allowed in each match, a decision that reflects the depth of options available to the coach and the intense competition among foreign professionals for a place in the starting lineup.
General context and importance of the match for both sides
This match holds special significance for both teams. Al-Ahli, having made a strong return to the Pro League this season after acquiring world-class players, is striving to secure a top-four finish and compete for a spot in next season's AFC Champions League. Following their recent goalless draw against Al-Hilal, the team is looking to achieve a victory that will solidify their position in the standings and maintain their lead over their rivals. On the other hand, Al-Hazm is going through a difficult period and is fighting to avoid relegation, making every point crucial. Therefore, Al-Hazm is expected to play with a high level of fighting spirit on their home ground and in front of their fans, hoping to achieve a positive result against one of the league's top teams.
Technical challenges for coach Yasleh
These absences represent a real test for coach Matthias Jäsle and his ability to cope with the depleted squad. He will have to reshuffle his defensive lineup to compensate for Majrashi's absence, while maintaining the attacking approach that relies on star players like Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino. The match also presents an opportunity for the substitutes to prove their worth and deliver a strong performance that will secure them a place in the coach's future plans, given the long season and fierce competition on all fronts.
