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

Al-Ittihad will walk into Al Bayt Stadium on Monday with one of their key weapons back at the manager’s disposal. Jens Wissing has confirmed that Houssem Aouar is ready to return for the AFC Champions League Elite clash against Al-Shamal.

The German coach spoke on the eve of the game, and his message was clear: the Algerian playmaker is fit to feature in the first round of the league phase in Al Khor.

Aouar missed Al-Ittihad’s 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly on Friday in the seventh round of the Saudi Roshn League, a precaution that raised doubts about his availability for continental duty. Those doubts have now been removed.

For Al-Ittihad, it changes the picture.

Since arriving from Roma in the summer of 2024, Aouar has quickly grown into one of “the Tigers’” most influential figures. He has already played eight times across all competitions this season, contributing two goals and one assist, numbers that only hint at his broader impact on the team’s rhythm and creativity.

His return gives Wissing extra control between the lines and an added threat in the final third as Al-Ittihad open their Asian campaign on Qatari soil. On a night when small details can decide the tone of a group stage, having Aouar back tilts a few of those details back in the Saudis’ favour.