Houssem Aouar Cleared for AFC Champions League Debut

Al-Ittihad will have one of their key weapons back on the pitch when they launch their AFC Champions League Elite campaign against Al-Shamal at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday.

Head coach Jens Wissing confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Houssem Aouar is fit and available for selection, ending any doubts over the Algerian’s involvement in the Group Stage opener in Al Khor.

Aouar missed Al-Ittihad’s last match, a 3-1 win over Al-Faisaly in the seventh round of the Saudi Roshn League on Friday, but his absence was precautionary. Now he returns just as the Saudi giants step onto the continental stage.

For Wissing, it is a timely lift. Aouar has quickly grown into a central figure since arriving from Roma in the summer of 2024, adding control and creativity to “the Tigers” midfield. He has already made eight appearances across all competitions this season, contributing two goals and one assist.

Those numbers only tell part of the story. Aouar’s presence changes the rhythm of Al-Ittihad’s play, and in a tricky away fixture to open their AFC Champions League Elite campaign, that influence could be decisive.

Al-Ittihad travel to Qatar with momentum from domestic victory and, now, with their Algerian playmaker back in the frame for a starting role on one of Asia’s biggest stages.