The Turkish defender Merih Demiral continues to be absent from Al-Ahli's lineup against Al-Najma today, in the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League, due to not being fully physically fit.

The Saudi newspaper Okaz reported that Al-Ahli's medical team refused to take risks with the Turkish defender after the injury he sustained in the match against Al-Khaleej in the seventeenth round, emphasizing that his absence was to ensure his safety and prepare him for upcoming matches.

Demiral has been absent from the team's matches for about a month, and the medical staff is working on rehabilitating him to be ready to participate with the German coach Matthias Jaissle, given his importance as one of the key players in Al-Ahly's lineup.

Al-Ahli holds the third position in the Saudi League standings with 52 points, while Al-Najma is at the bottom of the standings with 8 points after 23 rounds.