German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of the Al-Ahli Saudi FC first team, has finalized his squad selection for the upcoming match against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai of the UAE. It has been officially confirmed that Turkish professional Merih Demiral has been excluded from the squad for this crucial match, which is part of the eighth round of the AFC Champions League group stage.

Yassle's decision to exclude the Turkish defensive stalwart was based on reports from the medical and fitness staff, indicating that the player is not fully fit and ready for a match of this magnitude. Sources confirmed that Demiral has not participated in the team's group training sessions recently, making the German coach unlikely to risk him in such a crucial game, preferring to rely on the fittest players to ensure the required performance.

Merih Demiral is suffering from the effects of a muscle injury sustained recently, which has kept him out of Al-Ahli's recent matches in both domestic league competitions and continental tournaments. The medical staff is working to fully prepare the player for the upcoming stages of the season to ensure the injury does not recur.

This match is of paramount importance to Al-Ahli, as the team looks to continue its strong performances in the current edition of the AFC Champions League. This tournament, in its new format, has become a focal point for Asia's elite clubs, and Al-Ahli aims to capitalize on home advantage and the support of its fans to secure a victory and claim all three points. This would solidify their position in the West Zone standings and reaffirm their determination to seriously contend for the continental title, which has eluded the club for some time.

For its part, Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai enters the match with great ambitions, making the encounter a “Gulf derby” with an Asian flavor, requiring the Yassla squad to have the highest levels of focus and tactical discipline to compensate for the absence of one of the most prominent elements of the back line.

Al-Hilal's first football team is preparing for a tough and highly anticipated match against Al-Wahda, as part of the eighth round of the AFC Champions League group stage. The match, which will be held at the Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal's home ground, is expected to draw the attention of Asian football fans, as the Blues aim to continue their winning streak.

In preparation for the match, several key players were confirmed absent from the squad. Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, manager of Al-Hilal, decided to exclude a number of players for reasons ranging from tactical decisions to injuries. At the top of the list of those excluded was Marcos Leonardo, a purely tactical decision by the Italian coach. This marks the fifth consecutive time Leonardo has been left out, raising questions about the tactical plans Inzaghi intends to employ in the upcoming knockout stages.

The list of absentees also included star player Theo Hernandez, whom Inzaghi was forced to leave out due to injury. The player has not yet fully recovered, having suffered an injury before the last match against Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Professional League. The medical and coaching staff preferred not to risk him to ensure his readiness for the more crucial upcoming matches of the season.

This match holds particular significance within the context of continental competition, as the AFC Champions League, in its new format, serves as the true test for the major clubs in Asia. Al-Hilal boasts a rich history in Asian competitions, being the most decorated club in continental titles, which always places positive pressure on the players and coaching staff to perform in a manner befitting the reputation of the "Leader of Asia.".

Although Al-Hilal has officially secured qualification for the next round of the tournament, the match carries significant weight in terms of consolidating their dominance. The team aims to continue their winning streak and defeat Al-Wahda to guarantee sole possession of the top spot in the group stage standings. Maintaining this lead is crucial not only for morale but also to send a strong message to their opponents in the knockout stages that Al-Hilal is ready to compete for the title. Furthermore, it will allow them to benefit from the advantage of playing against lower-ranked teams in the upcoming draw.

The rotation strategy adopted by Simone Inzaghi, under the pressure of matches and the overlap of local and continental tournaments, reflects the desire of the coaching staff to maintain the fitness stock of the main players, while giving the substitutes the opportunity to prove themselves, especially in light of the influential absences of names such as Leonardo and Hernandez.

The curtain fell today in Riyadh on the 2026 Arabian Horse Local Production Championship , a key event on the Saudi equestrian calendar that directly supports Arabian horse owners and breeders in the Kingdom. The closing ceremony saw the stallion "Kareem Al-Khaled," owned by Al-Ahliya Arabian Horse Stud, crowned champion with the gold medal. The silver medal went to "Anwar Al-Sayed," owned by Al-Sayed Stud, and the bronze to "SK Shaheen," amidst a highly competitive atmosphere that reflected the quality of locally bred horses.

The current edition of the championship witnessed a wide and unprecedented participation, with 240 purebred Arabian horses competing, owned by 151 owners from various regions of the Kingdom, which confirms the rapid growth of this sector and the growing status that the local production championship has gained as a major platform to highlight the beauty and strength of Saudi-origin horses.

The importance of the tournament and its historical context

This championship holds special significance beyond being a sporting event, as it is deeply intertwined with the cultural and historical heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom is the ancestral home of the Arabian horse, and its wise leadership has dedicated considerable attention to preserving its lineage and purity. Organizing this championship under the auspices of the King Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Center and the Murtajiz Equestrian Center is a continuation of a long tradition of caring for this rich heritage. The Center serves as a reference and oversight body, ensuring the sustainability and development of the breeds according to international standards.

Economic and social impact and keeping pace with the vision

The benefits of these championships extend beyond mere competition, encompassing a tangible economic and social impact. By offering substantial cash prizes to the winners, the championships incentivize owners and breeders to continue improving local breeding stock, thereby enhancing the market value of Saudi Arabian horses both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, the accompanying family-oriented events have enriched the entertainment and cultural experience, transforming the championships into a comprehensive tourist and leisure destination.

These efforts directly contribute to achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 , which seeks to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a leading global destination in the field of equestrianism, increase the contribution of the sports sector to the gross domestic product, and enhance national identity by celebrating authentic cultural symbols such as the Arabian horse.