The German Matthias Jaissle, head coach of Al-Ahli Jeddah's first football team, has decided on the replacement for the absence of the Turkish international defender Merih Demiral in the upcoming match against Neom, as part of the 18th round of the Saudi Professional League (Roshn League).

Demiral's absence from the match was confirmed due to an injury he sustained in the previous round against Al-Khaleej. He is suffering from a minor muscle tear, which requires a treatment and rehabilitation period ranging from 10 days to two weeks. This has prompted the coaching staff to look for a quick solution in the defense line.

Yaisleh decided to compensate for Demiral's absence by including defender Ryan Hamid in the starting lineup, having relied on him during the tactical drill conducted in the team's training session this Friday evening, on the eve of the Neom match, in a clear indication of his confidence in the player's readiness.

The drill saw the participation of Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, alongside Brazilian winger Matheus Gonçalves, both showing full readiness for the match, according to Al-Riyadiyah newspaper. The match between Al-Ahli and Neom is scheduled for Saturday evening at 8:30 PM, at King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk.