Al-Ahli face anxious wait over Eduard Spertsyan injury before Jeddah derby

Al-Ahli could be without Eduard Spertsyan for a crucial run of fixtures after the Armenian midfielder was forced off against Al Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Medical examinations have confirmed details of the injury, but the club are still waiting for a clearer indication of how long Spertsyan will be unavailable. Initial estimates suggest he could miss up to four weeks, although there is also hope that he may recover within 10 days to two weeks.

That shorter timeframe would allow him to benefit from the international break in November and potentially return sooner than first feared.

Al-Ahli are working with the medical staff of the Armenia national team to agree the most appropriate treatment and rehabilitation programme. The player is therefore expected to miss his country’s next training camp while his condition continues to be assessed.

The timing of the injury is a particular concern for Al-Ahli manager Marino Pusic, with the club facing a busy schedule in domestic and continental competitions.

If Spertsyan’s absence lasts for a month, Pusic will have to reconsider his attacking plans for several important matches. The midfielder is a key part of the manager’s system because of his ability to create chances, operate between the lines and help build attacks.

There are already doubts over whether Spertsyan will recover in time to face Al Faisaly in the Saudi Pro League on 20 November. Al-Ahli are then scheduled to play Qatar’s Al Shamal in the AFC Champions League Elite on 23 November.

The match causing the greatest concern is the Jeddah derby against Al-Ittihad on 26 November. Al-Ahli could be deprived of one of their most influential attacking players for the fixture, which will be followed by a King’s Cup meeting with AlUla on 1 December.

Pusic will now have to assess his available options as Al-Ahli prepare for the sequence of matches. Spertsyan’s potential absence would remove an important source of creativity and movement from a side facing a demanding period of the season.