The coaching staff and passionate fans of Al-Ahli Saudi FC received a major blow in the past few hours following the official announcement of the details and duration of the absence of Merih Demiral , the stalwart Turkish defender, who suffered a significant injury that sidelined him from recent crucial matches. This news dampened the celebratory atmosphere following the team's resounding victory in the Jeddah derby, presenting coach Matthias Jäissle with a new tactical challenge in compensating for this significant absence in the back line.
Nature of the injury and expected duration of Merih Demiral's absence
According to sources close to Al-Midan Al-Riyadi, thorough medical examinations confirmed that the player suffered a hamstring tear. This injury, sustained before the match against Al-Ittihad, necessitates an intensive treatment and rehabilitation program. Reports indicate that Merih Demiral's absence will be at least six weeks, meaning he will miss a significant number of the team's crucial matches in the upcoming Roshan Professional League fixtures. This represents a considerable loss for the team, given the player's market value and technical contribution to Al-Ahli's defense.
The impact of the absence on Al-Raed's defensive balance
Demiral has been a cornerstone of Al Ahli's lineup since joining the team, with his extensive European experience instilling confidence in the defense. The absence of a player of his caliber places additional pressure on the remaining defenders, particularly Roger Ibanez, to shoulder the burden of defensive leadership. The coaching staff is expected to look for alternative solutions from the bench to fill the gap left by the Turkish defender, especially as the team needs every point to secure a high ranking that qualifies them for continental competitions. This makes the upcoming period a true test of Al Ahli's squad depth and its ability to cope with absences.
Echoes of the Jeddah derby and the precious victory
Despite the disappointment of the injury, the team's overall mood appears positive after Al-Ahli's resounding 3-1 victory over their arch-rivals Al-Ittihad in the 25th round of the Roshan League. This home win was more than just three points; it reaffirmed Al-Ahli's dominance this season and their ability to secure victories in crucial matches, even under challenging circumstances. Fans hope this win will provide a morale boost for the remaining players, helping them compensate for Demiral's absence and continue their winning streak in the remaining matches of the competition.
