In a surprising turn of events, Al-Ahli's coaching staff, led by German coach Matthias Jäissle, were forced to exclude right-back Ali Majrashi from the final squad that will face Al-Riyadh this evening. This decision comes just hours before the crucial match between the two teams at Al-Inma Stadium, as part of the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League.
Majrashi's exclusion came after he suffered a sudden illness that prevented him from completing his final preparations for the match. Coach Yasleh preferred not to risk the player and gave him the necessary rest to recover, which dealt a blow to the team's tactical plans before this encounter. It is expected that Mohammed Abdulrahman will be the most likely replacement to fill the right-back position in the starting lineup to compensate for this significant absence.
General context and importance of the match for Al Ahly
This match is of paramount importance to Al-Ahli, currently third in the Roshan League standings, as they strive to secure a top-four finish and a spot in next season's AFC Champions League. Since their return to the Pro League this season, Al-Ahli have made some high-profile signings, bringing in international stars such as Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Franck Kessié, and Allan Saint-Maximin, raising the expectations of their fans for a strong title challenge. At this crucial stage of the season, every point is precious, especially in matches against teams battling relegation, like Al-Riyadh, making a victory essential.
The impact of Majrashi's absence on the team's plans
The absence of Ali Majrashi is a clear tactical blow for Al-Ahli, as he is a key pillar of coach Yassla's back line. Majrashi is known for his solid defensive performances, as well as his effective attacking contributions down the right flank through his precise crosses and speed. This absence will force the coach to reshuffle his defensive lineup and puts significant pressure on his replacement to deliver the expected performance. This unexpected situation also tests the depth of Al-Ahli's squad and its ability to cope with sudden absences, a crucial characteristic for teams competing for major titles. The fans of "Al-Raqui" (the Royal Club) hope that their star player's absence will not be prolonged and that the team can overcome this setback and secure a victory that will strengthen their position in the league standings.
