Al-Ahli Jeddah have received a massive boost ahead of a crucial stretch of fixtures, with Brazilian centre-back Roger Ibanez cleared to return to action after initial fears over the severity of his hamstring injury. The news comes as a significant relief for the Saudi giants, who are navigating a congested schedule that includes both domestic and continental commitments.
Ibanez was forced off in the 52nd minute of Al-Ahli’s 3-0 victory over Damac in the 27th round of the Saudi Roshen League last Saturday, with Mohammed Suleiman Bakr stepping in to replace him. The substitution immediately raised alarm bells, with supporters and coaching staff anxious about the timing of the setback given what lies ahead on the calendar.
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiah, Ibanez underwent a series of medical tests to determine the full extent of the injury. Fortunately, those results came back with encouraging news — no hamstring tear was detected, meaning the Brazilian will be available for selection in Al-Ahli’s upcoming fixtures.
The defender is expected to feature as early as Wednesday’s away fixture against Al-Fayha at the Al-Majma’ah Sports City Stadium — a match brought forward from the 29th round of the Roshen League. For Al-Ahli, every league point right now is non-negotiable.
Roger Ibanez Injury Scare Cleared as Al-Ahli Jeddah Eye AFC Champions League Title Defence
Al-Ahli currently sit third in the Roshen League standings with 65 points, locked level on points with second-placed Al-Hilal, and trailing log leaders Al-Nassr by five points. Goal difference is the only thing separating them from the Silver team, making Wednesday’s match against Al-Fayha a fixture they simply cannot afford to drop points in.
Beyond the domestic picture, attention is also turning to the continental stage. Al-Ahli begin their AFC Champions League Elite title defence next Monday when they host Qatar’s Al-Duhail at Al-Inmaa Stadium in Jeddah in the round of 16. As defending champions, the pressure is firmly on to progress, and having their key defensive pillar fit for that clash is enormous.
Ibanez has been nothing short of outstanding for Al-Ahli this season. The Brazilian has played 37 matches across all competitions, contributing three goals and three assists — remarkable numbers for a central defender. His reading of the game, aerial presence, and ability to play out from the back have made him the cornerstone of everything Al-Ahli do defensively.
Losing him for any extended period would have been a serious blow to Carlo Ancelotti’s side, particularly at this stage of the campaign when silverware is genuinely on the line on two fronts. The Italian tactician will be breathing a significant sigh of relief following confirmation that the injury is not as serious as first feared.
Al-Ahli’s medical and technical staff will likely manage Ibanez carefully over the coming days, balancing his recovery with the need for him to be sharp ahead of the Al-Duhail clash. The club will not want to rush him, but equally, they cannot afford to be without him for long.
The coming week represents one of the most important periods of Al-Ahli Jeddah’s season, with a must-win league match on Wednesday followed by a high-stakes continental tie the following Monday. With Ibanez back in the mix, their chances on both fronts look considerably stronger — and the mood in the Jeddah camp will have shifted noticeably for the better.