Saudi Al-Ahli FC's first-team defender, Brazilian Roger Ibanez, continues his treatment and rehabilitation program following the injury he sustained during his team's match against South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.
Al-Ahli FC was eliminated from the 2026 Intercontinental Cup for Clubs after losing to South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns by a score of 1-2 on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Developments regarding Roger Ibanez's injury at Al-Ahli FC
According to reports by "Okaz" newspaper, Al-Ahli Club revealed in a medical update that Ibanez is undergoing daily medical assessments, with his return to group training to be determined based on his response to treatment and progress in physical readiness.
The Brazilian defender's rehabilitation program aims to fully prepare him before returning to participate with the team, without setting a final date for his return to group training.
Ibanez was one of the key elements in Al-Ahli's squad during the recent period, regularly participating in the team's defensive line, particularly during the match against Sundowns, where he played a fundamental role in the backline.
Ibanez's injury comes at a time when Al-Ahli needs its defensive players to be ready, given the team's involvement in local and continental competitions, which forces the technical staff to handle the player's return cautiously and avoid rushing his inclusion before full fitness is achieved.
According to the medical update issued today, the current phase focuses on treatment, rehabilitation, and daily monitoring, while the response to the program will determine the timing of the transition to group training and subsequently the possibility of returning to matches.
Al-Ahli Club is preparing to host their counterpart Al-Fateh at Al-Inmaa Stadium in Jeddah on October 9, in the eighth round of the Roshn Saudi League, seeking to secure victory and collect three points in the team's first match after the break.
In a related context, it has been confirmed that Al-Ahli duo Zakaria Hawsawi and Brazilian Roger Ibanez will miss the match against Al-Fateh, forcing the technical staff to deal with the absences and select appropriate alternatives for the upcoming game.
