Al-Ahli Saudi fans are eagerly awaiting the team's upcoming training sessions, anxiously anticipating the participation of their stalwart Turkish defender, Merih Demiral, in the highly anticipated match against Al-Shabab in the Saudi Professional League. According to informed press reports, the player's participation remains uncertain and depends entirely on the decision of the club's medical staff.
Background of the event and the importance of the player
Merih Demiral joined Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023 from Italian club Atalanta, a move that significantly strengthened the team's defense as part of the Saudi league's strategy to attract international stars. Demiral, who possesses extensive European experience gained from playing for top clubs like Juventus, is considered a cornerstone of Al-Ahli's back line. The coach relies heavily on him to build play from the back and organize the defense, thanks to his physical strength and excellent reading of the game.
Medical assessment details
Sources indicated that Al Ahly's medical staff will conduct a thorough and comprehensive assessment of Demiral's condition after training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. They emphasized that a final decision regarding his participation will only be made after confirming his 100% physical readiness. This precautionary measure by the club's management and coaching staff aims to avoid any risk that could aggravate his injury and prolong his absence, especially given the importance of the remaining matches of the season.
The importance of the match and the impact of his potential absence
The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Shabab match holds immense importance for both teams. It's not just about three points in the league race; it's a classic encounter between two of the capital's and the western region's top clubs. Al-Ahli aims to solidify its position in the top four and compete for Asian Champions League qualification, while Al-Shabab seeks to improve its ranking and return to winning ways. In this context, the absence of a player of Demiral's caliber could be a significant blow to Al-Ahli's defense, presenting the coach with a major challenge in finding a suitable replacement capable of filling the void left by the Turkish star should his absence from this crucial match be confirmed.
