Thomas Partey set for possible return as Al-Shabab face Al-Ahli in Riyadh

Al-Shabab could have a fully available squad for Friday’s Roshn Saudi League meeting with Al-Ahli, with former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey back in contention after recovering from injury.

Al-Shabab host Al-Ahli at SHG Arena in Riyadh on 30 October 2026, with the fixture expected to add further intensity to the latest meeting between the two sides.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah, Al-Shabab have no absentees for the match among either their domestic or foreign players. The club’s entire squad is available after all of those who had been injured returned to fitness, a rare situation for the “Lions”.

Partey is the main reason behind the development. The Ghana international has recovered from a thigh injury that kept him out of Al-Shabab’s previous seven matches.

Al-Shabab manager Thomas Letsch is considering naming Partey in the starting line-up against Al-Ahli. The German coach could select him in central midfield instead of French midfielder Yacine Adli.

Letsch is expected to make his final decision on the team on Thursday, after Al-Shabab complete a light session at their training ground’s secondary pitch.

The potential return of Partey comes as Al-Shabab attempt to build on an improved run of results. They have climbed to 12th in the Roshn Saudi League after collecting seven points from their past three matches.

That sequence has taken Al-Shabab’s total to 11 points from nine games. Their record consists of two victories, five draws and three defeats.

Al-Ahli arrive in fifth place with 21 points, having won seven of their matches and lost three. They also have a game in hand against local rivals Al-Nassr.

The fixture therefore presents contrasting challenges for the two teams, with Al-Shabab seeking to continue their recent improvement and Al-Ahli attempting to strengthen their position in the upper part of the table.