Al-Ahli Saudi FC faces a significant technical and physical challenge ahead of their crucial match against Al-Akhdoud. The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for next Saturday at Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Najran, as part of the 14th round of the Saudi Professional League. Despite the adverse circumstances, Al-Ahli will be aiming to secure all three points in this match.
List of key absences in Al Ahly's ranks
The Al-Ahli coaching staff, led by German coach Matthias Jäissle, is facing a genuine crisis due to the absence of the team's backbone. Eight players have been confirmed out at once, placing the coach in a tactical predicament that requires immediate solutions. The list of absentees includes some high-profile names that directly impact all areas of the game, namely:
- Goalkeeper: Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
- Defense line: Ali Majrashi and Mohammed Abdulrahman.
- Midfield: Ivorian Franck Kessie, Valentin Atangana, Saleh Abu Shamat, and Yassin Al-Zubaidi.
- Attack line: Algerian star Riyad Mahrez.
The impact of absences on team balance
These absences are significant due to the high technical value of the missing players. Riyad Mahrez's means a loss of creative solutions and the ability to orchestrate play in the attacking third, while Franck Kessié's a major blow to the midfield, as he is the key player for linking the lines and winning back possession. Furthermore, the absence of experienced goalkeeper Édouard Mendy places an additional burden on his replacement in a match that demands a high level of concentration.
The reasons for these absences vary between different injuries, accumulated suspensions, lack of full technical readiness, in addition to some professionals joining their national teams in preparation for upcoming international events and participation in the qualifiers or preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, which is a price paid by major clubs that include a large number of international players.
Challenges of competition in the Roshan League
This match comes at a crucial time in the league, with the competition at the top of the table intensifying, and any dropped points could jeopardize the team's chances of qualifying for Asian competitions. Facing Al-Akhdoud on their home ground in Najran, in front of their fans, is considered a tough test for any team, given the home side's high level of enthusiasm and their desire to improve their position in the standings.
Coach Yassle will have to rely on the substitutes and young players to compensate for this severe numerical shortage, in a real test of the depth of Al-Ahli’s squad and its ability to withstand difficult circumstances, as Al-Ahli fans are waiting to see the team’s reaction and its ability to overcome this obstacle and return with the three points.
