German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Al-Ahli, announced a surprising decision to exclude his stalwart Turkish defender Merih Demiral from the squad that will face arch-rivals Al-Hilal. This decision comes ahead of the highly anticipated clash between the two teams at the Kingdom Arena, in the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League, a match of paramount importance to both clubs.
Background to the decision and reasons for exclusion
Al-Ahli's coaching staff clarified that Demiral's exclusion was not due to a recurrence of his injury, but rather because he had not yet reached the full technical and physical readiness required for a match of this magnitude. Despite the player's complete recovery from the thigh muscle injury sustained during the previous Al-Khaleej match and his completion of an intensive rehabilitation program, coach Yassla preferred not to risk him to ensure he regains full fitness for upcoming matches. Consequently, the coach decided to continue relying on the defensive duo of Brazilian Roger Ibanez and young Rayan Hamed in the center of defense.
The importance of the match in the context of the competition
The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Hilal match is one of the most prominent fixtures in Saudi football, often referred to as the "Clásico," as it pits two teams with rich histories and massive fan bases against each other. This season's match takes on added significance due to the fierce competition for the top spot in the Roshan League, which has garnered global attention. Al-Hilal, currently leading the standings, aims to extend their winning streak and further solidify their position, while Al-Ahli, making a strong return to the top flight, seeks a victory that will strengthen their hold on a top-four spot and bring them closer to securing a place in next season's AFC Champions League.
The expected impact of Demiral's absence
The absence of Merih Demiral is a significant blow to Al-Ahli's defense. The Turkish defender, who joined from Atalanta, possesses considerable European experience and a commanding presence on the pitch. He was heavily relied upon to contain Al-Hilal's potent attack. His absence will increase the pressure on his teammates Ibanez and the promising Rayan Hamed, who will face a true test against the league's most potent attack. This comes at a time when Al-Ahli enters the match with high morale following their recent positive results, which have showcased cohesion across all lines and a remarkable attacking prowess. The team hopes to maintain this momentum despite this impactful absence.
