Doubt Surrounds Kessi's Availability as Al Ahli Brace for King’s Cup Showdown

Kessi’s injury casts doubt on the Cup clash

Ivory Coast international Frank Kessi, a key midfielder for Al Ahli Saudi, remains in doubt for the upcoming Round of 16 match in the King’s Cup against Al-Batin as uncertainties linger around his knee after a recent battle with injuries.

Al Ahli heads into the cup tie aiming to extend its Cup pedigree and keep the momentum from a season that has already featured title ambitions and strong domestic performances.

Local outlets reported that Kessi, who picked up a knee issue in the previous showdown with a rival side, will undergo a medical examination to confirm his readiness for the next encounter.

Ziad Al-Jehani came on as a substitute for Kessi in the latest fixture, while German coach Matthias Jaissle awaits a medical verdict before locking in his midfield plans for the crucial tie.

Despite a gap in experience and firepower between Al Ahli and Al-Batin, the upcoming match promises to be a demanding test, especially given that Al-Batin eliminated Al-Ettifaq in the Round of 32 on penalties and have momentum.

Bright beginnings

Kessi has been in good form for Al Ahli since the start of the campaign, needing only 13 matches to surpass his goal tally from last season, and he already has five goals in 13 appearances this term, compared with four in the previous season and ten in 2023-24, underscoring a clear offensive rise.

The former Barcelona and Milan man has gradually grown into a focal point of Al Ahli’s attack, combining goal threat with his playmaking and link-up abilities.

From doubt to certainty

Ahead of this season, whispers swirled about Kessi’s future, including a possible return to Italian football where he previously shone with Milan and Atalanta. Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli was briefly linked to strengthening Viola’s midfield, but Kessi ultimately chose to remain with Al Ahli to continue his progression and contribute to the club’s long‑term ambitions.

Under Jaissle, Kessi has become a central pillar, with the coach trusting him to balance defensive duties and offensive transitions as a key linking player in the middle of the park.

A season of ambition

Al Ahli’s title ambitions have been fueled by last season’s success in the AFC Champions League, and the club began the current campaign by lifting the Saudi Super Cup. A 5-0 semi-final victory over Al-Qadisiyah and a final win against Al-Nasr on penalties boosted confidence and national expectations.

Even though their most recent league win over a lower-placed side came by a single goal, the team remains on a measured, steady trajectory, with a sense that this season could be more stable than the last.

Jaissle’s trust

Kessi enjoys a high level of faith from Jaissle, who sees him as capable of performing multiple roles and providing the equilibrium between defense and attack that the team requires. The Ivory Coast international often plays alongside Enzo Mieu, allowing Kessi to focus on connecting lines and intercepting opposition plays while Mieu orchestrates the build-up.

Technically, Kessi operates as a dynamic pivot, displaying high tactical intelligence and the ability to read games, press under pressure, and drive the ball forward to create chances from deep areas. His presence gives Jaissle tactical flexibility for both quick transitions and controlled possession.

Physically, Kessi ranks among the league’s most robust players, excelling in duels and ball retention, with accurate shooting from outside the area that keeps opponents wary and adds another layer of threat to Al Ahli’s attack.

Midfield captaincy

Apart from his on-field contributions, Kessi embodies leadership within the locker room, drawing on his experience with Milan and Barcelona to stabilise his teammates and raise group performance in big games.

With him in the lineup, Al Ahli has looked more cohesive in midfield and better equipped to dictate tempo in high-profile fixtures, reinforcing Kessi’s status as a cornerstone of the club’s project to reclaim supremacy in Saudi football.

Elevated ratings

In a recent clash with Al-Gharafa of Qatar, Kessi delivered a standout display, scoring twice in a 4-0 win and earning a high rating of 8.9/10. He played 72 minutes, logging a 79% pass accuracy (22/28) and a 94% pass accuracy in the half of the field, with long passes completed at 100%.

These numbers reflect not only his goal-scoring touch but also his compile-and-distribute influence, cementing his role as the engine room of Al Ahli’s play and a constant source of momentum for the team.

He remains one of the most important players in the squad as the season progresses, with Jaissle relying on his ability to drive the team forward in both domestic and continental challenges.

Caption: Kessi in season form for Al Ahli, guiding the midfield and scoring important goals as part of a cohesive attacking unit.