Roger Ibanez race to be fit for Al Ahli’s Saudi Clasico against Al Nassr

Al Ahli are hoping Roger Ibanez will recover in time to face Al Nassr in the Saudi Roshn League, despite the Brazilian defender being ruled out of their next match against Al Fateh.

Al Ahli host Al Nassr at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on 15 October, in the ninth round of the competition. Before then, however, Ibanez will miss the fixture against Al Fateh on 9 October.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiah, Al Ahli are working to prepare Ibanez for the meeting with their traditional rivals. The defender has been undergoing rehabilitation since sustaining an injury during Al Ahli’s defeat by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup.

Ibanez is expected to return to Al Ahli’s squad for their match against United Arab Emirates side Al Wasl on 12 October. That game will be played in the second round of the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite, three days before the Saudi Clasico.

Al Ahli regard the match against Al Nassr as an important opportunity to revive their challenge for the Saudi Roshn League title after a number of disappointing results. They currently sit sixth in the table on 12 points, having recorded four wins and three defeats.

Al Nassr are third, four points ahead of Al Ahli.