Replacement on the Backline
German coach Matias Jaissle has settled on Mohammad Suleiman Bakr to start in place of the injured Roger Ibanez for the upcoming clash with Al-Shabab, as Al-Ahli Jeddah eyes another strong showing in the Roshn Saudi Pro League.
The team will host Al-Shabab on Friday at the Enmaa Stadium, with Round 5 expectations high as the title contenders look to maintain momentum.
Defensive Partnership
Jaissle reportedly plans to pair Bakr with Turkish defender Merih Demiral in central defense, aiming to preserve the balance and solidity that have marked the club this season while Ibanez recovers.
Bakr’s elevation follows his breakout period since 2023, and he has been a steady presence in practice and in recent matchday squads, stepping up when the team needed a reliable shield at the back.
Ibanez’s Injury and Form
Ibanez has not trained with the group since the international break, undergoing daily treatment as the club awaits a precise medical assessment. The Brazilian-Acquired defender, noted for his rugged defensive reads and attacking contributions, is a significant miss for Al-Ahli this season.
Ibanez’s absence is felt particularly because he has been one of the standout pillars this campaign, helping the side secure the Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong on penalties against Al-Nasr and contributing across competitions with his defensive work and set-piece threat.
Career and Impact
Since arriving from Roma in 2023, Ibanez has appeared 88 times across all competitions, recording 11 goals and 5 assists, and helping Al-Ahli win major honors, including continental and domestic trophies. His experience and leadership remain assets if and when he returns to action.
Meanwhile, Bakr has been in impressive form at club and national levels, featuring for Saudi Arabia and showing glimpses of the potential that could keep him in the fold during Ibanez’s absence.
Future Uncertainty and Off-Field Developments
Talks around Ibanez’s future persist, with Valencia reportedly expressing interest in a potential move. Despite the European interest and the player’s contract running through 2027, Al-Ahli have stressed their desire to retain him for the club’s ongoing push for league supremacy and continued continental success.
Beyond the transfer chatter, there are signs of a formal “twinning” initiative between Al-Ahli and Al-Shabab, designed to ease media tensions and foster collaboration in CSR projects and fan activities. The initiative, reported by various outlets, aims to institutionalize positive relations ahead of a high-stakes Friday encounter.
Officials from both clubs are said to be finalizing a framework to calibrate communications and joint community programs, with formal details expected ahead of the Enmaa showdown. The match is anticipated to draw a large attendance and serve as a dual test for Al-Ahli: in performance on the pitch and in leveraging the renewed off-field atmosphere to fuel a title charge.
Classic on the Horizon
The Friday clash looms as a stern exam for Al-Ahli, particularly in Ibanez’s absence. The club will aim to translate strong defense into a productive display against a team that poses a credible challenge and a test of their ambitions to stay top or challenge at the summit.
Punchlines ahead: Punchline 1 — If Bakr keeps Ibanez’s seat warm, the bench might become a premiere on-pitch fortress; even the heat can’t thaw it. Punchline 2 — If defense could shoot, Bakr’s aim would be so sharp that even snipers would hire him to guard their headlines against leaks.
