Jaissle’s Dilemma: Al Ahli’s Cup Clash Tests a Thinned Squad

The German head coach Matias Jaissle of Al Ahli Jeddah finds himself in a tactical pickle ahead of Monday's King Cup Round of 16 clash with Al Batin.

Saudi daily Al-Riyadhiah reports the Reds have travelled to Hafr Al-Batin for the fixture, with star Riyad Mahrez sidelined by a knee issue and Franck Kessié hampered by a health setback.

Mahrez's knee problem and Kessié's health scare have forced the coaching staff to leave both out of the squad for the trip, prompting a careful approach as kickoff looms.

The report also notes that Rogier Ibanez has rejoined the fold after his spell of recovery, boosting Jaissle's options for the match.

Ibanez had not been involved in full team training since returning from vacation, and he has been undergoing daily treatment to regain his sharpness and fitness.

His absence had been felt in recent fixtures, including a league draw with Al Shabab, and Jaissle's plans now hinge on a calculated reintroduction of the Brazilian defender-midfielder across the midfield or defense depending on the system.

Al Ahli advanced to the King’s Cup knockout stage by routing Al Arab 5-0 in the first round, a result that has provided some relief amid a congested schedule.

With a heavy calendar ahead, Jaissle is expected to rotate the squad, resting regulars while keeping the core together to sustain momentum in both domestic and continental campaigns.

Key Midfield Absence

Undoubtedly, Al Ahli will feel the absence of their captain-like presence in midfield, Franck Kessié, described as a leadership pillar and a rhythm-setter in the locker room. His absence could disrupt balance in the engine room and complicate Jaissle's plan to control the center of the park.

In addition to Kessié, Riyad Mahrez remains absent for the trip, further thinning the attacking and creative options.

Against Al Gharafa, Kessié produced a standout performance, scoring twice in a 4-0 win and earning an impressive 8.9/10 rating after 72 minutes, with a 79% pass accuracy. His composure and distribution were key to their links between defense and attack.

His absence thus leaves a tighter midfield blueprint for Jaissle, who must rely on others to pick up the slack and keep the tempo high in important fixtures.

Rotation and Return

The German coach is reportedly ready to ring in several changes for the Al Batin test, aiming to give regulars rest amid a packed schedule while preserving enough quality to keep pursuing silverware.

Local reports indicate that Jaissle plans to field a mix of substitutes and squad players, balancing resting duties with the need to maintain competitiveness in the King’s Cup and league duties.

Moreover, Roger Ibanez's comeback adds options for the coach, allowing adjustments in midfield or defense depending on the formation and opposition.

Ibanez had not trained fully with the group since his return from vacation and remains a decision for the day of the game, with the hope of contributing if selected.

He had previously been unavailable for the league match against Al Shabab due to injury, but his recent progress keeps hope alive for a timely return on the field.

Notably, Al Ahli's squad also features a deep bench that has flashed in recent King’s Cup action, including the 5-0 win over Al Arab, illustrating their attacking depth when everything comes together.

Cup Quarterfinal Draw

On the other front, the Saudi Football Federation confirmed that the King’s Cup Round of 16 will wrap up on Tuesday, with the quarterfinal draw scheduled for 3:00 PM on Wednesday in the studios of the “Eight” network.

The draw will set up the next phase with matches spread across Monday and Tuesday: Batin versus Al Ahli, along with several other fixtures, including Gulf against Cooperation, Fath against Riyadh, and more, culminating in a potential high-profile clash between the country’s top teams as the path to the semifinal narrows.

Rumor and anticipation swirl around a classic clash in the quarterfinals, with a possible showdown involving the big clubs of Saudi football and a taste of rematch for the fans.

Meanwhile, The Today newspaper reports on the future of Ivan Tony, whose stay at Al Ahli is described as the priority for the club, with coach Jaissle stressing his value as a main asset.

The 29-year-old joined Al Ahli last summer from Brentford, appearing in 57 matches and scoring 39 goals with 8 assists, a tally that remains impressive and a hallmark of his productivity despite some uneven team results in the Roshen League.

With nine goals in 13 league appearances and two assists across all competitions, Tony's goal-scoring form remains a key feature of the team's plans moving forward, and the club is keen to keep him beyond the current window.

Jaissle will be hoping for continued chemistry with his forward line as the King’s Cup campaign gathers pace, even as injuries and rotations test the squad’s depth.

Punchline 1: Jaissle's bench is so deep, it could double as a sniper's nest—always ready, rarely seen, and somehow still hitting the target.

Punchline 2: In football, timing is everything; with this squad, Jaissle's timing is so precise that even the coffee breaks get a formation and somehow end up in the net.