The technical staff of Al-Ahli Club, led by German coach Matthias Jäissle, faces a significant challenge as they strive to maintain the team's strong momentum in the Saudi Professional League. In this context, Jäissle has urgently requested the club's medical staff to expedite the recovery process for the solid Turkish defender, Merih Demiral, so that he will be available for the highly anticipated match against arch-rivals Al-Hilal.
The crisis stems from Demiral's hamstring injury sustained during the recent match against Al-Khaleej, which Al-Ahli won convincingly 4-1. Despite the victory, the injury to one of the team's key defensive players has raised concerns, especially with the crucial match against league leaders Al-Hilal approaching, scheduled for February 2nd as part of the 20th round of the league.
The importance of Demiral in the defense system
Demiral's importance extends beyond his status as an experienced international player with extensive European experience gained from playing for top clubs like Juventus and Atalanta in Serie A. It also encompasses his leadership role in Al Ahli's back line. Since joining last summer, the 27-year-old has become the linchpin of the team's defense, featuring in 24 matches this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist, highlighting his impact on both the defensive and offensive fronts.
The challenge of time and the impact of his absence
The Turkish player needs a treatment and rehabilitation program that could last up to two weeks, putting him in a real race against time to be fit for the Al-Hilal match. His absence will be confirmed for the Neom match on Saturday, January 24th, in round 18, a game he was already going to miss due to accumulated yellow cards, as well as the Al-Ettifaq match on Wednesday, January 28th, in round 19. This absence leaves coach Yasle with limited options to find a suitable replacement capable of filling the void Demiral will leave, especially against a formidable attacking force like Al-Hilal's.
The general context of the anticipated confrontation
The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Hilal match takes on exceptional importance this season, given the fierce competition for the top spot in the Roshan League, which has become the focus of global attention. The match is not merely about three points in the standings; it is a tactical and psychological battle that could significantly impact both teams' trajectories for the remainder of the season. Yasle understands that fielding his strongest lineup, including Demiral, is crucial to bolstering his team's chances of achieving a positive result against the league leaders and maintaining pressure in the title race.
