A news report revealed the reasons behind the absence of Turkish player Merih Demiral from the starting lineup of Al-Ahli Saudi FC in recent matches.

The newspaper "Al-Riyadiyah" clarified that Mubarak Al-Mutawa, the head of the medical team, issued a clear recommendation not to field the defender until he has fully recovered, in order to ensure his physical well-being.

Demiral is currently undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program under the direct supervision of Al-Mutawa, following the injury he sustained to his adductor muscle in the previous period.

According to the same source, the medical team is working on preparing him to participate for limited minutes against Riyadh on Thursday, as part of the twenty-fourth round of the league.

Al-Ahly also aims to have the Turkish defender fully ready before facing Al-Duhail on March 2, in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 for the elite.

Demiral sustained an injury during the match against Al-Khaleej in the seventeenth round, which sidelined him for nine games across the league and the Asian tournament.

It is noted that Al-Ahli secured an important 1-0 victory over Damac in the tenth round, which boosted the team's morale ahead of the anticipated return of their defender.