Aouar Returns for Al-Ittihad's AFC Champions League Opener

Al-Ittihad will walk into Al Bayt Stadium on Monday with a key piece back in place.

Head coach Jens Wissing confirmed that Algerian playmaker Houssem Aouar is ready to feature against Qatar’s Al-Shamal in the opening round of the AFC Champions League Elite league phase, ending any doubt over his fitness.

Wissing, speaking in the pre-match press conference and quoted by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, made it clear: Aouar is available for selection. For Al-Ittihad, that changes the entire feel of the night.

The 26-year-old missed Friday’s 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly in the seventh round of the Saudi Roshn League, a win that kept the momentum rolling but also underlined what the team loses without his creativity between the lines.

Now he is back, and the timing could hardly be better.

Since arriving from Roma in the summer of 2024, Aouar has quickly become one of the standout figures in Wissing’s side. He has already made eight appearances in all competitions for “the Tigers”, scoring twice and providing one assist, numbers that only hint at his influence on Al-Ittihad’s attacking rhythm.

The stage on Monday is different. Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, a continental opener, and a Saudi giant looking to make an early statement in the revamped Asian competition.

With Aouar available again, Al-Ittihad’s intentions are clear. They are not travelling to Qatar just to ease their way into this tournament.