Aouar returns as Al-Ittihad begin AFC Champions League Elite campaign

Algeria midfielder Houssem Aouar has returned to the Al-Ittihad starting line-up for their opening AFC Champions League Elite fixture against Qatar’s Al Shamal.

Al-Ittihad travel to Al Khor to face Al Shamal at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday, as they begin their campaign in the league phase of the Asian competition.

Head coach Jens Wissing confirmed his side’s starting XI before kick-off, with Aouar restored to the team after he missed Al-Ittihad’s most recent Saudi Pro League match against Al-Faisaly.

Aouar will operate in midfield alongside Senegal international Dion Lopy and Colombia’s Richard Rios. Steven Bergwijn and Ahmed Al-Ghamdi are expected to provide width from the flanks.

The main surprise came in attack, where Wissing left out Nigeria forward George Ilenikhena despite the impressive performances he has produced in recent matches.

Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri will instead lead the line as Al-Ittihad’s lone forward.

The Saudi club are attempting to end a 21-year wait for another Asian title. Their most recent triumph came in 2005, when they successfully defended the trophy they had won the previous year.

Al-Ittihad also won the competition in 2004, making their back-to-back successes the club’s most recent continental achievements.

Their previous AFC Champions League Elite campaign ended in the quarter-finals. They were beaten by Japan’s Machida Zelvia, who went on to reach the final before losing to Al Ahly.

The match against Al Shamal therefore marks the beginning of another attempt by Al-Ittihad to progress further in Asia and challenge for a first continental title since 2005.

Wissing’s selection places particular emphasis on the returning Aouar in midfield and En-Nesyri in the central attacking role, while Ilenikhena starts on the bench despite his recent form.

Al-Ittihad’s announced line-up is as follows: