Al-Ahli Jeddah dey get one important match for Saudi Roshen League wey dem go play against Al-Fayha for Al-Majma’ah Sports City Stadium tomorrow Wednesday. This match na from round 29 wey dem bring forward because of continental commitments.
German coach Matthias Jaissle don drop one surprise for squad selection. Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez no go dey for match squad. Even though medical tests show say no tear for him hamstring, Jaissle decide to rest am. The coach wan make sure Ibanez dey ready for AFC Champions League match against Qatar’s Al-Duhail next Monday for Al-Inmaa Stadium.
Meanwhile, Saudi winger Saleh Abu Al-Shamat don return to squad after surgery. Him bin dey miss since Al-Hilal match for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup semi-finals on 18 March.
The big surprise na inclusion of young Brazilian striker Ricardo Matheus. Dem include am to complete eight foreign players quota after absence of defenders Roger Ibanez and Merih Demiral, plus French midfielder Valentin Atangana.
Al-Ahli currently dey third position for league with 65 points. Dem dey five points behind leaders Al-Nassr and level on points with second-placed Al-Hilal, but goal difference separate dem.
For injury update, Ibanez collect hamstring injury during 3-0 win over Damac last Saturday. Him leave match for 52nd minute and Mohammed Suleiman Bakr replace am. Medical tests confirm no tear, so him fit play for upcoming matches.
Ibanez na strong element for Al-Ahli defence this season. Him don play 37 matches across all competitions, score three goals and provide three assists.
The team dey prepare for double challenge – both league match against Al-Fayha and Asian Champions League qualifier against Al-Duhail. Dem need all their players to dey fit as competition dey tight for top of table.
Al-Ahli players go leave for Riyadh this Tuesday evening, then travel to Al-Majma’ah by coach for match preparation. The technical staff dey monitor all players condition as important matches dey ahead.
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