Algerian star Riyad Mahrez made a notable decision by choosing to forgo rest and start preparing early for the highly anticipated Al-Ahli match against Al-Taawoun, as part of the 15th round of the Roshn Saudi League.

Riyad Mahrez joined the training sessions of Al Ahly club, despite the German coach Matthias Jaissle's decision to grant him additional rest following his return from participating with the Algerian national team in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Al-Yaum Saudi newspaper confirmed that the Algerian player preferred to be with his teammates during training, recognizing the importance and difficulty of the upcoming match in the race for the top positions in the league table.

Mahrez believes that the match against Al-Taawoun represents a crucial stage, especially given the close points between the two teams, which prompted him to reject resting and to strive to support Al-Ahly both technically and morally.

The Algerian national team was eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco after losing 2-0 to the Nigerian team in the quarterfinals.

Al-Ahli Club occupies fourth place in the Saudi Professional League standings with 28 points, trailing by just three points behind Al-Taawoun, who are in third place.