Riyad Mahrez targets Al Ahli reunion after joining Al Shamal

Riyad Mahrez is hoping to regain full fitness in time to face former club Al Ahli on 23 November, following his recent move to Qatari side Al Shamal.

The Algeria international has joined Al Shamal but is expected to wait before making his competitive debut as the club assesses his physical condition.

The potential meeting with Al Ahli in the Asian Elite Champions League would mark a significant moment for Mahrez, who spent three seasons with the Saudi Arabian club before leaving last summer.

Mahrez joined Al Ahli in 2023 and played a part in their successive Asian Elite Champions League triumphs in 2025 and 2026. His move to Qatar has now opened the possibility of facing his former team in a competition with which he is already familiar.

However, his participation in the November fixture will depend on how quickly he settles into his new surroundings and regains match fitness.

Al Shamal assess Mahrez’s fitness

Mahrez’s arrival has raised expectations at Al Shamal, but the club are taking a cautious approach as they determine when he will be ready to feature.

The winger had only recently joined his new team, leaving little time for the coaching staff to assess his condition before deciding on his involvement.

A representative of the club said: ” He’s a very high-level player, which is why we’re eagerly awaiting his return. We’ll assess his condition because, as you know, he wasn’t with the team until yesterday.”

The comments underline the club’s desire to have Mahrez available while acknowledging that his fitness must be assessed before he returns to competitive action.

For the former Manchester City and Leicester City player, the immediate priority will be to build up his condition and become ready to contribute to his new side.

November date offers chance to face former club

The scheduled meeting with Al Ahli on 23 November could provide Mahrez with an early opportunity to come up against a club that played an important role in his recent career.

During his time in Saudi Arabia, the Algeria captain helped Al Ahli secure two consecutive Asian Elite Champions League titles, establishing a strong connection with the club before his departure.

His move to Al Shamal means that a potential reunion would now see him represent a different team against familiar opponents.

The fixture is therefore an important date in his new chapter, although his availability remains uncertain while Al Shamal monitor his progress.

Mahrez will have to make the most of the time available to him if he is to be ready for the encounter. The club, meanwhile, will be keen to ensure that he returns at the right time rather than rush him into action.

Whether he features against Al Ahli will depend on his physical condition in the coming weeks. For now, the focus remains on helping the experienced winger settle at Al Shamal and prepare for his return to competitive football.