Ivan Toney misses Al Ahli’s Al Shabab clash after Southwark Crown Court hearing

Al Ahli forward Ivan Toney was unavailable for Friday’s Saudi Pro League match against Al Shabab after appearing at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday in connection with an allegation that he assaulted a person.

Al Ahli are visiting Al Shabab at the SHG Arena in Riyadh for the 12th round of the Saudi Pro League. Toney was left out of the starting line-up because the timing of the court hearing prevented him from joining the squad in time for the fixture.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya, Toney is expected to link up with Al Ahli’s travelling party in Qatar before Monday’s AFC Champions League Elite match against Al Sadd. The club’s schedule also includes a Saudi Pro League fixture against Abha on 5 November 2026.

Marino Pusic has selected Firas Al-Buraikan to lead the attack in Toney’s absence. The Saudi forward will be supported by Francisco Trincao and Matheus Goncalves.

Brazilian winger Wenderson Galeno has been named among the substitutes. He has recovered from the injury that kept him out of Al Ahli’s previous four matches, but Pusic has opted not to start him.

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was omitted from the matchday squad despite travelling with the team to Riyadh. Saudi goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi retains his place in the starting XI.

Al Ahli began the match sixth in the Saudi Pro League table with 21 points from seven wins and three defeats. Al Shabab were 12th with 11 points.

Al Ahli’s starting line-up was:

Goalkeeper: Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi

Defenders: Mohammed Abdulrahman, Roger Ibanez, Rayan Hamid, Saad Balobaid

Midfielders: Valentin Atangana, Artem Bondarenko, Ziyad Al-Jehani

Forwards: Francisco Trincao, Firas Al-Buraikan, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat

Al Ahli’s next AFC Champions League Elite fixture is against Al Sadd on 2 November 2026. The club will then face Abha in the Saudi Pro League on 5 November 2026.