Demiral Out of Riyadh Clash as Al-Ahli Brace for Shabab Showdown
12 February 2026
Demiral Out of Riyadh Clash as Al-Ahli Prepare for Shabab
Turkish defender Merih Demiral is set to miss Al-Ahli's Saudi Pro League match against Al-Shabab after being ruled out of the traveling squad due to ongoing fitness issues.
German coach Matthias Jaissle has opted to omit the 28-year-old stopper from the squad heading to Riyadh for the 22nd round of the competition, highlighting that Demiral has not yet recovered from his injury.
The decision comes as Demiral has been unavailable for weeks, following an injury suffered in late January against Al-Khaleej that kept him out of several league games and the AFC Champions League knockout stage.
Demiral has played 24 matches this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist, according to club reports.
Punchlines: Demiral's injury is so patient it filed for a leave of absence; meanwhile, my nostalgia for a healthy internet connection grows stronger with every delay.
Punchline 2: If fitness were a race, Demiral would be the tortoise—steady, stubborn, and somehow still in the lead when the finish line moves.
