Al-Ahli Saudi FC's coaching staff faces a real crisis after it was confirmed that Turkish international defender Merih Demiral for a potentially lengthy period due to a severe hamstring injury. This injury comes at a critical time, officially ruling him out of the highly anticipated Jeddah derby against arch-rivals Al-Ittihad in the 25th round of the Saudi Professional League, leaving Al-Ahli's defense in a difficult position ahead of this crucial match.
Medical scenarios and expected duration of Merih Demiral's absence
Merih Demiral's absence will depend entirely on the severity of the adductor muscle tear, and three possible scenarios have been outlined:
- First degree: If the injury is minor, the player will be out for a period ranging from two to four weeks, depending on how quickly his body responds to treatment and rehabilitation.
- Grade 2: If the tests show a moderate tear, the period of absence will extend to be from one to two months, which means he will miss a large number of crucial league matches.
- Third degree: This is the worst-case scenario, where the matter will be more complicated and may require surgical intervention, which will keep the player away for a period ranging from two to three months, and perhaps until the end of the season.
The MRI scan that Demiral will undergo in the coming hours is expected to officially determine the final situation and the exact duration of treatment.
The impact of Demiral's absence on the balance of the Jeddah derby
of Merih Demiral is a significant blow to German coach Matthias Jäissle's plans, especially in a match as crucial as the Jeddah derby against Al-Ittihad. This match holds immense importance not only locally but also regionally, given the historic rivalry between the two Jeddah giants and the immense popularity of both teams. The absence of a key central defender like Demiral could disrupt the team's defensive balance against Al-Ittihad's potent attack, forcing the coaching staff to quickly find replacements to bolster the back line at either King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (the "Jewel of Jeddah") or Al-Inma Stadium, as scheduled.
The market and technical value of the Turkish defender in the Saudi League
Since joining Al-Ahli from the Italian league, Demiral has been a valuable addition to the Saudi Professional League, which has garnered international attention after attracting top-tier stars. The player possesses extensive international experience gained from playing for major clubs like Juventus and Atalanta, in addition to representing the Turkish national team. Having a player of his caliber strengthens the Saudi league both commercially and technically, and therefore, any prolonged absence of his not only impacts his club but also deprives fans of watching one of the league's most prominent defenders, highlighting the importance of player well-being amidst this season's demanding schedule.
