In a tactical move aimed at maintaining player fitness and rotating key players, German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of the Al-Ahli Saudi FC first team, decided to exclude international striker Firas Al-Buraikan from the squad preparing to face Iraqi side Al-Shorta. This highly anticipated match is scheduled for Monday evening as part of the sixth round of the group stage in the AFC Champions League.
Reasons for Al-Buraikan's exclusion and the absence of key players
Sources attributed the German coach's decision to his desire to give Firas Al-Buraikan a rest, following the significant physical exertion the player endured during his recent participation with the Saudi national team in international competitions, specifically the Arab Cup. Al-Ahli's coaching staff aims to avoid overexerting the player and ensure his readiness for the crucial domestic matches in the Saudi Professional League.
Al-Ahli's absences don't stop with Al-Buraikan; the team also faces a severe shortage of foreign professionals. They will be without key players including Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez, and Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié. The trio's absence is due to their participation with their national teams in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, presenting coach Jacek with a real challenge in finding suitable replacements for these influential players.
List challenges and the impact of absences
In addition to the international absences, Frenchman Enzo Maio joins the list of absentees due to suspension for accumulated yellow cards. This situation forces Al Ahly's coaching staff to rely on substitutes and young players to fill the gaps in the starting lineup, especially against a team looking to capitalize on home advantage and the surrounding circumstances to achieve a positive result.
The two teams' standings in the AFC Champions League
Al-Ahly enters the match in a relatively comfortable position in their group in the West Zone, currently sitting in fourth place with 10 points, putting them in a strong position to secure qualification for the knockout stages. In contrast, the Iraqi team Al-Shorta has suffered a series of setbacks, leaving them in eleventh place with only one point.
Despite the large points difference, matches between Saudi and Iraqi clubs are always competitive and exciting. This match is an opportunity for Al-Ahli to strengthen its position at the top and compete for the top spots to ensure an easier draw in the next rounds, while Al-Shorta aspires to deliver a performance that saves face in front of its fans in this major continental tournament.
