Al Ahli face late selection call as Mendy and Galeno return for Al Gharafa test

Al Ahli have been boosted by the return of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and attacking winger Wenderson Galeno ahead of Monday’s AFC Champions League Elite meeting with Al Gharafa.

The pair completed the full training session on Sunday after finishing their treatment and rehabilitation programmes, according to sources cited by Al Riyadiyah.

However, their involvement in the third-round match has not yet been confirmed. Despite reaching full fitness, Mendy and Galeno will face a late assessment before kick-off, with Al Ahli manager Marino Pusic expected to make the final decision during the technical meeting in the hours before the game.

The Dutch coach will consider the players’ availability alongside his tactical plans and the team’s requirements for the match.

Three players remain unavailable

Al Ahli will still be without Merih Demiral, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat and Nayef Masoud, with all three continuing their respective treatment and rehabilitation programmes.

Demiral suffered an ankle injury during training before Al Ahli’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al Khaleej last Saturday in the 11th round. Abu Al-Shamat has missed the team’s past two matches against Al Fayha and Al Khaleej because of a shoulder injury.

Masoud is recovering from an ankle problem that has kept him out of four league matches, as well as the continental fixture against Al Wasl. He will therefore remain unavailable for the match against the Qatari side.

Al Ahli completed their preparations with a final training session in Jeddah, where the coaching staff focused on refining the team’s technical and tactical approach. Attention will remain on whether the returning pair are selected as the club seek a positive result in their Asian campaign.

Al Ahli are fifth in the West Region group with four points. They began the competition with a 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor before recording a 3-1 victory over Al Wasl of the United Arab Emirates.

Al Gharafa arrive under greater pressure after losing both of their opening matches. They were beaten 2-1 by Al Hilal and then suffered another 2-1 defeat by Esteghlal, leaving them without a point.

Monday’s fixture will therefore give Al Ahli the opportunity to strengthen their position in the group, while Al Gharafa will be seeking their first points of the competition.