Demiral Returns: Al Ahli’s Boost Before the Damac Showdown
21 February 2026
Demiral Nears Full Fitness Ahead of Damac Clash
Turkish defender Merih Demiral is close to returning for Al Ahli ahead of the Saudi Pro League fixture with Damac.
Al Ahli will travel to Abha on Sunday aboard a private plane for the match at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium, a game postponed from round 10.
The Saudi daily Al-Riyadiya reported that Demiral has reached an advanced stage in rehabilitation and is nearing full fitness to feature for the team in upcoming fixtures.
What Could Decide His Involvement
However, his availability will be confirmed only before kickoff, with the squad heading to Abha by private jet on Sunday for the Monday clash.
Demiral picked up the injury in the January 20 meeting with Al Khaleej in the 17th round of the Roshen Saudi League, which kept him out of the subsequent eight league matches and the AFC Champions League for the Elite.
Demiral has appeared for Al Ahli in 24 matches this season, scoring twice and providing one assist so far.
Punchline: If his comeback pace stays this measured, the only thing speeding up will be the crowd’s heartbeat—probably faster than the counterattack.
Punchline 2: Demiral returning this soon is such good news that even the scoreboard is practicing social distancing from the ball, just in case he decides to boot it into the net again.
