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

Al-Ittihad will have one of their main creative sparks back on the pitch when they launch their AFC Champions League Elite campaign against Al-Shamal on Monday.

Head coach Jens Wissing confirmed that Houssem Aouar is ready to play at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, easing any lingering concerns over the Algerian’s fitness ahead of the first round of the league phase.

The midfielder missed Al-Ittihad’s 3-1 win over Al-Faisaly on Friday in the seventh round of the Saudi Roshn League, a precaution that raised questions about his availability for continental duty. Those doubts have now been put to bed.

Wissing, speaking in the pre-match press conference and quoted by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, made it clear Aouar is available for selection against the Qatari side. For a team with serious ambitions in Asia, that matters.

Since arriving from Roma in the summer of 2024, Aouar has quickly grown into one of Al-Ittihad’s standout performers. He has already played eight matches in all competitions for “the Tigers”, scoring twice and providing one assist, numbers that only hint at his wider influence on their build-up play.

His return gives the Saudi club a timely lift as they step onto the continental stage, with Al Bayt’s imposing arena providing the backdrop to a campaign Al-Ittihad expect to take deep into the tournament.