Al-Ahli Jeddah Regain Key Defender Ahead of AFC Champions League Campaign Al-Ahli Jeddah have confirmed that Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez is set to return to full fitness ahead of their AFC Champions League campaign, marking a significant development for the Saudi Pro League side as they prepare to defend their title in the continental competition. The club’s medical team conducted comprehensive assessments following Ibanez’s injury sustained during a 3-0 victory over Damac in the 27th round of the Roshen League on Saturday. The injury, a hamstring strain, initially raised concerns about his availability for crucial matches, but recent tests have ruled out a tear, allowing the 28-year-old to resume training and prepare for upcoming fixtures. Ibanez, who had been a key figure in Al-Ahli’s defensive line, left the match against Damac in the 52nd minute after sustaining the injury. He was replaced by Mohammed Suleiman Bakr, who stepped in to ensure the team’s dominance in the match. The club’s official statement, reported by the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiah, emphasized that Ibanez’s recovery timeline is on track, with the defender expected to be fit for the club’s next matches. This includes a critical encounter against Al-Fayha in the Saudi Roshen League, scheduled for Wednesday at the Al-Majma’ah Sports City Stadium. The match, originally slated for the 29th round, has been moved forward to accommodate Ibanez’s return. Al-Ahli’s return to full strength comes at a pivotal moment in their season, as they prepare to face Qatar’s Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League round of 16. The match, set for next Monday at Al-Inmaa Stadium in Jeddah, represents a crucial step in their quest to secure a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.#afc_champions_league #al_ahli_jeddah #al_fayha #roger_ibanez #al_duhail
Victory is the key… Why is Gonçalves missing the Al Ahli vs Al Faiha match? Al-Ahli Jeddah’s Brazilian star player, Matheus Gonçalves, will miss the upcoming match against Al-Fayha in the Saudi Roshen League, despite being neither injured nor suspended. The decision to exclude the player from the squad was made by German coach Matthias Jaissle, who cited concerns over the risk of Gonçalves receiving a yellow card during the game. This precautionary measure is intended to avoid his potential absence in the subsequent match against Al-Nassr FC, which is scheduled for 28 April. The match between Al-Ahli and Al-Fayha is set to take place at the Al-Majma’ah Sports City Stadium on Wednesday, 8 April. This fixture was moved forward from the 29th round of the league, adding urgency to the tactical decisions made by the coaching staff. According to reports from the Saudi newspaper Al-Yaum, Jaissle’s decision reflects a strategic focus on minimizing disciplinary risks, particularly given the high stakes of the league race. Al-Ahli currently sit third in the Saudi Pro League table with 65 points, five points behind leaders Al-Nassr and level with second-placed Al-Hilal on goal difference. The exclusion of Gonçalves has sparked speculation about the club’s approach to managing player discipline. While the player’s absence is not due to a suspension or injury, the coach’s decision highlights the delicate balance between maintaining team cohesion and avoiding penalties that could disrupt the squad’s momentum. This move also underscores the competitive intensity of the league, where even minor infractions can have significant consequences for a team’s position in the standings.#saudi_pro_league #matheus_goncalves #matthias_jaissle #al_ahli_jeddah #al_fayha
