The technical staff of Al-Ahli's first football team breathed a sigh of relief after the thorough medical examinations that the team's right-back, Ali Majrashi, underwent proved his complete safety and ability to participate in the anticipated match against Al-Shabab Club within the Saudi Professional League competitions.

Details of Ali Majrashi's injury and recovery

A sense of unease had gripped Al-Ahli fans after Majrashi suffered a worrying knee injury during his team's match against Al-Wahda of the UAE on Monday evening, in the seventh round of the AFC Champions League group stage, which ended in a goalless draw. However, medical tests came back reassuring, confirming the player's readiness to participate in the next round of domestic matches without any medical impediments.

The date and importance of the Al-Ahli vs. Al-Shabab match

Al-Ahli is scheduled to be a formidable guest against Al-Shabab at 4:55 PM next Friday, in a highly anticipated match as part of the 22nd round of the Roshan League. This match holds immense importance for both teams due to their long history in Saudi football. Matches between Al-Ahli and Al-Shabab are always considered a "classic" encounter, characterized by intense competition and excitement, regardless of the teams' positions in the league standings.

The two teams' positions in the Roshan League standings

Al-Ahli enters this match in a relatively comfortable technical and points position compared to its opponent, as "Al-Raqui" occupies the third place in the league standings with (47) points, and seeks to continue collecting points to strengthen its position in the golden square and secure an Asian seat for next season, in addition to trying to tighten the noose on the leader and runner-up.

In contrast, Al-Shabab finds itself in an unenviable position, currently sitting in 13th place with 19 points – a far cry from its former glory. This match represents a lifeline for Al-Shabab, offering a chance to escape the relegation zone and improve their lackluster performance. The return of key players like Ali Majrashi will be a crucial factor in tipping the scales in their favor in this vital encounter.

Impact of Asian participation

This meeting comes amid a great pressure of matches facing Al-Ahli Club, which is fighting on two fronts: the local front in the Roshan League, and the continental front in the AFC Champions League, which makes the quick recovery of injured players vital for the coach to maintain the team’s rhythm and rotate players to avoid physical exhaustion.

In a move reflecting the depth of bilateral relations and shared interest in developing the sports sector, His Royal Highness Prince William, Prince of Wales, attended the daily training session for female athletes at the regional training centers for girls on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The event was held at the non-profit Mohammed bin Salman City (MiSK), in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport, as part of His Highness's official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the field visit, Prince William met with the players and members of the technical and administrative staff, where he listened to a detailed explanation presented by Ms. Lamia Bin Bahyan, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The presentation included a comprehensive overview of the development of women's football in the Kingdom in recent years, the strategic efforts undertaken to empower women in the sports field, and the role of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation in nurturing young talent and raising the level of technical performance, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to advance the women's sports sector.

A qualitative leap in Saudi women's sports

This visit comes at a time when women's sports in Saudi Arabia are undergoing an unprecedented historical transformation. Since the launch of Vision 2030, the Saudi leadership has placed great emphasis on empowering women in all fields, including sports. These efforts have resulted in the establishment of the Saudi Women's Premier League and the inclusion of the national women's team in the FIFA World Rankings, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to building a solid and sustainable sporting foundation.

The regional training centers, which Prince William visited, are a cornerstone in discovering and developing emerging talent. These centers operate according to the highest technical standards to supply clubs and national teams with a promising generation of professional female players. These serious steps highlight the efforts of the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to promote both community-based and competitive sports.

Significance of the visit and its international dimensions

The visit of Prince William, who also serves as president of the English Football Association, carries significant implications that extend beyond official protocol. It underscores the role of sport as a soft power and a bridge for cultural exchange between nations. The visit also reflects the mutual desire between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia to share sporting expertise, particularly in the area of ​​football development, in which Britain has a rich and distinguished history.

The choice of the non-profit Mohammed bin Salman City (MiSK) to host this event carries special symbolic significance, as it is a city designed to be an incubator for youth, innovation, and empowerment—the very values ​​that sports seek to instill in future generations. This event underscores that investing in women's sports is not merely a recreational activity, but an investment in human development and quality of life, aligning with the Kingdom's future aspirations.

German coach Matthias Jäissle, the technical director of Al-Ahli's first football team, made an urgent technical decision regarding the team's preparation program before the anticipated match against Al-Shabab, as part of the preparations for the twenty-second round of the Saudi Professional League, which will be held at Al-Shabab's home ground in the capital, Riyadh.

According to informed sources within the Green Castle, the technical staff, led by Yasle, decided to give the team's players a break from group training on Tuesday, in order to catch their breath and avoid physical exhaustion, with the team scheduled to resume training on Wednesday evening to begin the actual tactical preparation for the round's summit.

An attempt to overcome the obstacle of unity

This decision comes at a very sensitive time for Al-Ahli, especially after their disappointing goalless draw against Al-Wahda in the last round. This result fell far short of the expectations of Al-Ahli fans, who were hoping for three points to improve the team's position in the league standings. Yassla aims, through this decision, to relieve the players of the psychological pressure resulting from the recent draw and to recharge their mental and physical energy before the crucial match against Al-Shabab.

The importance of the Al-Ahli vs. Al-Shabab match in the league race

The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Shabab match is of paramount importance, transcending the mere three-pointer; it represents a classic clash between two of Saudi Arabia's football giants. For Al-Ahli, a victory in this match is crucial to keep pace with league leaders Al-Hilal, or at least secure third place and a spot in Asian competitions amidst fierce competition from Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Taawoun.

Al-Raed is looking to regain its winning form and correct the offensive trajectory that was absent in the last match, as the technical staff realizes that losing more points may mathematically distance the team from competing for the title in light of the consistent levels that Al-Hilal has been presenting this season.

Competition context of the Roshan League

The Saudi Professional League (SPL) is experiencing unprecedented sporting activity this season, with clubs bolstered by international stars competing to deliver their best performances. Matches between the top clubs (Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Shabab) are considered the true benchmark for gauging the teams' readiness to compete for domestic and continental titles. The Al-Shabab vs. Al-Ahli match is expected to draw a large crowd due to the immense popularity of both teams and their shared need for a win; Al-Shabab, in particular, is striving to improve its position in the standings and deliver a performance worthy of its illustrious history.