Al-Ahli Saudi fans are eagerly awaiting the final decision from the team's medical staff regarding the participation of Turkish defender Merih Demiral in the upcoming match against Al-Najma, scheduled to take place at Al-Inma Stadium as part of the 23rd round of the Roshan Professional League. Informed sources confirmed that the player did not participate in recent team training sessions, raising serious doubts about his readiness to play.
According to sources, Demiral will undergo a crucial medical test in the next few hours to determine his availability. Initial indications suggest his absence is the most likely scenario, given his lack of full fitness, which would prevent any potential injury from worsening. This would be a significant blow to the coach's plans, as he is a key player in the heart of the defense.
General context and the player's importance to the team
Merih Demiral, who joined Al-Ahli in the summer of 2013 from Italian club Atalanta, is considered one of the most prominent signings made by Saudi clubs as part of the major development plan underway in the Roshan League. The Turkish international quickly proved his worth, forming a defensive rock that provided the team with significant balance thanks to his extensive European experience gained playing for major clubs like Juventus and Atalanta. His absence is a considerable loss, especially given the fierce competition for the top spots in the league standings.
The importance of the match and the impact of Demiral's absence
The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Najma match holds particular importance for both teams. Al-Ahli, having made a strong return to the professional league, is striving to secure a place in the top four and compete for a spot in Asian competitions. Any slip-up at this stage could prove costly, especially since every point is crucial in the title race. On the other hand, Al-Najma is fighting to improve its position in the standings and move away from the relegation zone. The absence of a player of Demiral's caliber could affect the stability of Al-Ahli's defense and give the opposing team more opportunities to threaten their goal, thus placing additional pressure on his teammates in the back line to compensate for this significant gap.
