# Al-Ahli Faces Injury Crisis Ahead of Al-Nassr Clash Multiple key players sidelined as Al-Ahli struggles with fitness before the crucial league match. - **Source:** [Asharq Al-Awsat](https://aawsat.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d923ad46-06ef-4a9c-842c-27106c6d6f01 ## Injury Crisis Hits Al-Ahli Al-Ahli faces a significant tactical challenge before their November 20 match against Al-Nassr. Coach Marino Pusic is managing a squad depleted by injuries to key personnel. This situation has created uncertainty regarding the team's readiness for one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Saudi Professional League season. ## Six Players Sidelined The injury list includes six prominent players, complicating the team's technical setup. Merih Demiral leads the list alongside Zakaria Hawsawi, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, and Naif Masoud. Additionally, Edward Spertsyan and Valentin Atangana are currently unavailable, forcing the coaching staff to urgently identify suitable replacements for the upcoming high-stakes derby match. ## Critical Timing for Stability These developments occur during a sensitive period for the club, which is currently seeking to regain technical balance. Recent results have caused dissatisfaction among supporters, putting pressure on the coaching staff. The team must address these performance gaps quickly to avoid further instability before returning to competitive league action. ## Tactical Impact of Absences The widespread injuries affect multiple lines of the team, limiting the tactical options available to coach Marino Pusic. Preparing a starting lineup for the Al-Nassr match requires high physical and technical readiness. The staff is concerned that these gaps could disrupt the team's overall structure during the intense derby. ## Medical Reports Are Decisive Medical reports in the coming days will be the deciding factor for player availability. The medical team is working to prepare as many players as possible for group training sessions. They are carefully avoiding any risks, ensuring that players do not return to the pitch before reaching full physical fitness. ## Utilizing the International Break The current break provides a vital opportunity for the coaching staff to correct technical errors. They are focusing on improving team harmony and preparing alternative players to fill potential gaps. This period is essential for refining the squad's performance and ensuring that the team remains competitive despite the ongoing injury crisis. ## Fan Expectations and Pressure Al-Ahli fans are closely monitoring the medical status of their key players. The upcoming match against Al-Nassr serves as a crucial test for the team's ability to overcome current adversity. Supporters are looking for signs of restored confidence and stability as the club navigates this challenging phase of the season. ## Strategic Dilemma for Coaches The primary question remains whether the remaining days will allow the medical staff to recover influential players. If not, the coach must devise a different tactical approach to face Al-Nassr. The outcome of this match will likely influence the club's trajectory and the future of the current technical leadership. ## Struggling Teams in League Beyond Al-Ahli, the league's bottom three teams—Al-Fateh, Al-Taawoun, and Abha—are facing a historic crisis. They have secured only one victory in 35 combined matches. This poor performance has left them in the relegation zone, with a collective total of just 14 points earned from a possible 105 points available. ## Defensive and Offensive Woes The three struggling clubs have collectively scored 23 goals while conceding 64. Al-Fateh holds the only win among them but suffers from the worst defensive record, having conceded 25 goals. Meanwhile, Al-Taawoun remains winless in the league despite their success in the AFC Champions League Two, highlighting a major inconsistency. ## Coaching Changes and Outlook All three bottom clubs have attempted to change their fortunes by replacing their head coaches. Al-Fateh brought in Jamal Sellami, Al-Taawoun hired Vuk Rasovic, and Abha appointed Teo Brkic. Despite these managerial shifts, the teams continue to struggle with low scoring rates and high defensive vulnerability as the season progresses. ## Future Challenges for Bottom Clubs The upcoming matches after the break will be decisive for the relegation battle. Al-Taawoun faces Al-Ahli, while Abha plays Al-Shabab and Al-Fateh meets Al-Riyadh. These fixtures represent critical opportunities for these teams to break their losing streaks and begin the difficult process of climbing out of the league's bottom positions. ## Sources covering this story - https://aawsat.com/node/5340068 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._