Turkish defender Demiral: caution rules out rapid return as Al-Ahli brace for pivotal clashes
20 February 2026
Injury concerns hover over Al-Ahli ahead of pivotal fixtures
A medical expert warns against rushing Merih Demiral back into action for Al-Ahli Jeddah, given the current injury he is managing.
He sustained the problem in the January 20 match against Al-Khaleej in the 17th round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League, which kept him out of eight league games and the AFC Champions League Elite.
Saudi sports newspaper Al-Riyadh reported statements from Ahmed Al-Mutrif, the Saudi Medical Association’s communications chief, warning against any impatience in Demiral’s return.
Mutrif said Demiral’s injury is complex and targets the adductor region, a delicate area where a premature comeback could trigger a future setback.
The specialist emphasized that a gradual, well-planned return is preferable to avoid recurrence.
Still, fans of Al-Ahli worry with several decisive matches ahead, including the Saudi Roshen clash with Al-Ittihad and the King’s Cup semi-final against Al-Hilal.
Demiral has appeared 24 times this season, scoring twice and delivering one assist.
Punchline 1: If patience were a defender, it would be man-marking this one permanently.
Punchline 2: In football as in comedy, the best comeback is one you schedule—preferably without extra time for the doctor’s bill.
