Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle has reportedly informed Allan Saint-Maximin to get in shape before the Saudi Pro League resumes next week.
Saint-Maximin had joined Al-Ahli from Newcastle for £23.4 million, signing a three-year contract that will keep him in Jeddah until the summer of 2026.
The Frenchman has been a key part of Matthias Jaissle’s side after making the starting lineup in all of their opening league games this season.
However, it seems that his place could be in jeopardy after reportedly facing some match fitness issues before their upcoming league encounter.
According to a report by Arriyadiyah, Saint-Maximin is currently undergoing a fitness programme after being told by Jaissle to lose weight.
The report also added that the German coach was unhappy with the fitness levels shown so far by the 26-year-old and aims to boost his stamina.
Al-Ahli are set to continue their Saudi Pro League title charge after the international break as they look to get back to winning ways.
Despite a bright start to the new league campaign, Al-Ahli’s unbeaten streak came to an end after suffering a shocking 5-1 defeat to Al-Fateh last week.
To add to their woes, summer-signing Merih Demiral also received a red card in stoppage time and will miss out on their next three games.
It’s worth noting that Al-Ahli announced the signing of centre-forward Firas Al-Buraikan on a long-term deal from Al-Fateh just hours after the defeat.
The Jeddah giants will hope to recover quickly as they host in-form Al-Taawoun in the league’s sixth round on Saturday, September 16th.