Dion Lopy set for Al-Ittihad start after Richard Rios injury

Jens Wissing is expected to bring Dion Lopy into midfield for Al-Ittihad’s AFC Champions League Elite meeting with Al Ain after Richard Rios was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Al-Ittihad host Al Ain at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah on Monday, 02 November 2026, in the fourth round of the league phase of the Asian competition.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Wissing has decided to select Senegal international Lopy as Rios’ replacement in the centre of midfield.

Rios suffered an injury to his left ankle joint just eight minutes into Al-Ittihad’s match against Abha on Friday in the 12th round of the Saudi Pro League. The problem means he will miss the visit of Al Ain.

His absence is also expected to extend to Al-Ittihad’s league fixture against Neom on Friday, in the 13th round of the Saudi Pro League, according to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

The injury provides an opportunity for Lopy, who has unexpectedly dropped out of the starting line-up in recent weeks after playing an important role for Wissing at the beginning of the season.

Lopy is expected to partner Mukhtar Ali in midfield against Al Ain, while Algeria international Houssem Aouar will operate further forward and be given a more attacking role.

Al-Ittihad go into the match seeking a second successive victory. Their record in the AFC Champions League Elite league phase so far is one win, one defeat and one draw, leaving them eighth in the West region with four points.

Al Ain have made a perfect start to the competition and lead the West region with nine points from their opening three matches.

Their impressive run includes a 4-0 victory over Al-Nassr in the opening round, described in the source report as a historic win for Al Ain. They have won all three of their matches so far.

The match will therefore see Al-Ittihad attempt to build on their latest result while Al Ain defend their position at the top of the West region standings.