Aouar Returns for Al-Ittihad in AFC Champions League Elite Opener

Al-Ittihad head into Asia with a key piece back in place.

Head coach Jens Wissing confirmed that Algerian playmaker Houssem Aouar is ready to return for the AFC Champions League Elite clash against Qatar’s Al-Shamal at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, as reported by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Wissing made it clear: Aouar is available and in condition to feature in the first round of the league phase.

It comes at just the right time.

Aouar missed Al-Ittihad’s last outing on Friday, a 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly in the seventh round of the Saudi Roshn League, and his absence was felt despite the win. Now he is back in the frame as the Jeddah giants open their continental campaign in Al Khor.

Since arriving from Roma in the summer of 2024, the Algerian international has quickly grown into one of Al-Ittihad’s most influential players. Wearing the colours of “the Tigers”, he has already made eight appearances in all competitions this season, contributing two goals and one assist.

Those numbers only tell part of the story. His presence between the lines, his ability to link midfield and attack, and his calm on the ball have helped reshape Al-Ittihad’s attacking identity.

With Aouar fit again and the AFC Champions League Elite journey about to begin, Wissing suddenly has his creative fulcrum back. Now the question is simple: can Al-Ittihad turn that boost into an early statement in Asia?