Al-Ahli Receive Injury Boost Ahead of AFC Champions League Elite Clash With Al-Gharafa
Al-Ahli have been handed an important boost before their AFC Champions League Elite meeting with Qatar’s Al-Gharafa, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and winger Wenderson Galeno returning to full training. Their availability could strengthen the Jeddah club’s options for Monday’s match, although neither player is yet guaranteed a place in the starting lineup.
The Senegal international goalkeeper and Brazilian attacker had been sidelined while completing injury treatment and rehabilitation. According to reports cited by Al-Riyadiah, both joined Al-Ahli’s full training session on Sunday, moving closer to a possible return for the third round of the continental competition.
Final selection call awaits
Returning to training is an encouraging step, but it does not automatically mean either player is ready to start. Al-Ahli coach Marino Pusic is expected to assess their condition and decide how to use them after reviewing the team’s needs and tactical plan. Their final status is likely to become clearer at the technical meeting held shortly before kick-off.
Mendy’s return would give Al-Ahli another experienced option in goal, while Galeno could add pace, direct running and attacking creativity on the wing. If fit enough to feature, the pair may offer Pusic useful flexibility—whether from the opening whistle or as potential substitutes capable of influencing the game later on.
The decision will involve balancing the importance of the fixture with the risk of rushing players back too soon. Al-Ahli are looking to strengthen their position in the Western group, but the coaching staff will also need to consider match fitness after the duo’s time away from competitive action.
Three Al-Ahli players remain unavailable
The latest injury update was not entirely positive. Defender Merih Demiral, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat and Nayef Masoud remain in treatment and rehabilitation and are not expected to be available against Al-Gharafa.
Demiral is recovering from a foot-joint injury sustained during training ahead of Al-Ahli’s Saudi Roshn League match against Al-Khaleej last Saturday. His absence leaves the team without one of its defensive options for the continental fixture.
Abu Al-Shamat has been dealing with a shoulder-joint injury and has missed Al-Ahli’s last two matches, against Al-Feiha and Al-Khaleej. Masoud, meanwhile, continues to recover from a foot-joint problem that has already ruled him out of four league games and the AFC Champions League Elite encounter with UAE side Al-Wasl.
With those three players still sidelined, Al-Ahli’s available squad depth will be an important consideration. The possible returns of Mendy and Galeno could help offset some of the absences, but the team will still need a composed performance across the pitch to manage a demanding match schedule.
Al-Ahli seek momentum in the Western group
Al-Ahli completed their preparations with a final training session, during which the coaching staff worked on the technical and tactical details for the match. The team will aim to turn home advantage and recent continental progress into a result that improves its standing in the competition.
The Jeddah club currently sit fifth in the Western group with four points from their first two matches. They began with a 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor before recording a 3-1 victory over Al-Wasl. That win provided a valuable lift, but the group remains competitive, making every point significant as the league phase develops.
For Al-Ahli, the fixture presents a chance to build consistency. A positive result would keep the side moving in the right direction and strengthen its position ahead of the next round. The team’s performance may depend not only on whether Mendy and Galeno return, but also on how effectively the midfield supports the attack and protects the defence during transitions.
Al-Gharafa arrive under pressure
Al-Gharafa face the match after losing their opening two games, leaving the Qatari side without a point. They were beaten 2-1 by Al-Hilal and then suffered another 2-1 defeat against Iran’s Esteghlal. Those results put pressure on the visitors to respond, but they also mean Al-Ahli should expect a determined opponent rather than a side willing to settle for a cautious approach.
Al-Gharafa’s need for points could make the contest more open, particularly if they push forward in search of an early breakthrough. That may create opportunities for Al-Ahli to exploit space on the counterattack, especially if Galeno is fit enough to contribute. At the same time, the home side will need to avoid giving away possession cheaply or allowing the visitors to dictate the tempo.
Match prediction: a chance for Al-Ahli to strengthen their position
On paper, Al-Ahli have the advantage of playing at home and enter the match with a stronger points position. Their recent 3-1 win over Al-Wasl also offers a positive reference point. However, injury absences and uncertainty over the fitness of key returnees make this a fixture that will require patience and discipline.
A sensible football prediction is that Al-Ahli will look to control possession and apply pressure without overcommitting early. If Mendy and Galeno are cleared to play, their experience and attacking quality could provide a further boost. Al-Gharafa, meanwhile, are likely to approach the game with urgency as they seek their first points of the campaign.
Ultimately, Al-Ahli’s strongest route to a positive result may be a balanced display: protect the defensive structure, use the wide areas effectively and take advantage of chances when they arise. The return of Mendy and Galeno is encouraging, but Pusic’s selection decisions—and the fitness of the available squad—will be central to the outcome of this AFC Champions League Elite test.
