In a surprising turn of events within Al-Ahli Saudi FC, German coach Matthias Jäissle decided to exclude two of the team's foreign players from the squad called up for the upcoming match against Al-Shabab FC in the Saudi Professional League. This decision, made just hours before kickoff, has sparked widespread questions among fans and sports analysts regarding the technical or medical reasons that prompted the coach to take this bold step at such a crucial time.

Details of elimination and technical preparations

Sources close to Al-Ahli confirmed that coach Jacek's decision was based on a thorough technical and physical assessment during the team's final training sessions. The German coach aims to instill tactical discipline and select the most prepared players to execute the appropriate game plan against a team of Al-Shabab's caliber, known for its strong defensive and offensive organization. This decision reflects the coaching staff's desire to rely on players capable of making a significant contribution throughout the ninety minutes, prioritizing technical readiness over big names.

The importance of the Al-Ahli vs. Al-Shabab classic

The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Shabab match holds immense importance, transcending the mere three-pointer. It is considered one of the classic Saudi Arabian football derbies, attracting massive local and Arab media and fan attention. Historically, encounters between "Al-Raqui" (the Royal) and "Al-Laith" (the Lion) have been characterized by fierce competition, excitement, and a high number of goals, with each side striving to assert its dominance and prove its worthiness to compete for top positions in the league standings. This match comes at a time when both teams desperately need a victory to bolster their league position and appease their fans, thus intensifying the pressure on the coaches and players.

The expected impact of the decision on the course of the meeting

The absence of the two foreign players is expected to significantly impact Al Ahli's starting lineup, forcing coach Yassla to make tactical adjustments to compensate for the missing players. This exclusion could open the door for local players or substitutes to prove themselves in a high-profile match. Technical analysts believe such decisive decisions can be a double-edged sword; they could either motivate the remaining players to give their all to fill the gaps, or negatively affect the team's overall cohesion if the substitutes are not managed effectively.

In conclusion, sports fans are eager to see how Matthias Jiesle will handle the course of the match in light of these absences, and whether he will succeed in winning the tactical bet against his counterpart at Al-Shabab Club, in a football night that promises a lot of excitement and competitiveness in the Saudi football scene.

There is concern within the corridors of Real Madrid, after the absence of star French striker Kylian Mbappe from the team's group training for the second day in a row, on Thursday, which raises big questions about the possibility of his participation in the upcoming match against Real Sociedad next Saturday in the Spanish Football League.

Sources within Real Madrid confirmed to AFP that the team's top scorer was unable to join his teammates and only performed "individual work indoors" on Wednesday and Thursday, without providing precise medical details about the severity of the injury. However, the coaching staff, led by Carlo Ancelotti, is waiting for the final training session on Friday to determine the player's final status.

Concerns about recurring injuries and the impact of absences

Spanish press reports indicate that Mbappe is suffering from persistent pain in his left knee, the same knee in which he suffered a sprain in late 2015. The French national team captain had pushed himself and rushed his return to the field to support his team in important matches, which may have caused the current pain to recur.

Real Madrid's concern is not limited to the absence of Mbappe alone, but the team is facing a real crisis in its ranks, as the potential absence of the player who scored 38 goals in 31 matches in various competitions will join a long list of injured players that includes key pillars such as the English star Jude Bellingham, and the Brazilians Rodrygo and Eder Militao, which puts the coach in a tactical predicament before facing a tough opponent like Real Sociedad.

The heated battle for the top spot with Barcelona

The upcoming match is of paramount importance in the La Liga title race this season, with Real Madrid currently in second place with 57 points, just one point behind their arch-rivals Barcelona, ​​who lead the table with 58 points. Los Blancos will be hoping for a victory on Saturday to temporarily claim the top spot and put pressure on the Catalan giants, but their task will be far from easy against Real Sociedad, who sit in eighth place and are looking to climb the standings.

The absence of a player of Mbappe's stature and influence is a major blow to Real Madrid's attacking power, especially given his record-breaking achievements as the top scorer in La Liga and the Champions League, making it extremely difficult to replace him in such crucial matches that require individual and collective solutions to unlock the opponents' defenses.

The eyes of motorsport fans around the world will be on Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, tomorrow, Friday, February 13, 2026, as the fourth and fifth rounds of the 2026 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship kick off. These competitions, part of the 12th edition of the global championship, are called the "Jeddah E-Prix 2026," confirming the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a major destination for this sustainable sport. The Kingdom is hosting rounds of the championship for the eighth consecutive time, but this time amidst an exciting atmosphere at the Jeddah Corniche circuit, organized by the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation and under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Sports.

Hosting this global event is of paramount importance, as the Kingdom is a strategic partner in the development of electric motorsports. His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, affirmed that the Kingdom's continued hosting of the ABB Formula E World Championship for the eighth time reflects the unwavering support of the wise leadership – may God protect them – and their keen interest in the sports sector, which has directly contributed to transforming Saudi Arabia into a global sporting destination that hosts major events.

In the context of promoting sustainability concepts, His Highness said: “Holding the ABB Formula E races in Jeddah supports the Kingdom’s tireless efforts to promote the use of clean energy, and opens up broad horizons to empower the nation’s youth and benefit from their capabilities in organizing and managing major global events. This comes amidst an environment that combines speed, excitement and the latest technologies, which contributes to raising the rates of sports tourism and attracting audiences from all over the world.”.

On the technical front, the race promises fierce competition with 20 drivers representing 10 of the world's top manufacturers. The drivers will compete on a specially modified 3.01 km track at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The list of participants includes some of the biggest names, led by New Zealander Nick Cassidy and Frenchman Jean-Éric Vergne of the Citroën team, and Brazilian Felipe Drogovich and Briton Jake Dennis of the Andretti team. Swede Joel Ericsson and Swiss driver Sébastien Buemi will also be competing for the Envision Racing team, while German Maximilian Günther and Briton Taylor Barnard will represent the DS Penske team.

The excitement continues with the Yamaha team, featuring Barbadian Zane Maloney and veteran Brazilian Lucas di Grassi. The Cobra Kiro team boasts Briton Dan Ticktum and Spaniard Pepe Martí, while Nissan relies on the experience of Briton Oliver Rowland and Frenchman Norman Nato. Mahindra Racing is represented by Swiss driver Edouard Mortara and Dutchman Nyck de Vries, while Portuguese António Félix da Costa and New Zealander Mitch Evans are in the Jaguar TCS Racing lineup. The Porsche team's ambitions are spearheaded by German Pascal Wehrlein and Swiss Nico Müller.

Looking at the championship standings before the Jeddah round, the first three rounds were held in São Paulo, Mexico City, and Miami. New Zealander Nick Cassidy of Citroën Racing currently leads the overall standings, ahead of his closest rivals, German Pascal Wehrlein of Porsche and Briton Jake Dennis of Andretti, promising a fierce competition in Jeddah to seize or extend their lead.

Hosting the "Jeddah E-Prix 2026" is in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which focuses on supporting the national economy and diversifying its sources, paying attention to clean energy to reach a sustainable environment, in addition to building a vibrant and sporting society that achieves national aspirations and enhances the quality of life.

Official coverage link