Al Ahli have been boosted by the return of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and winger Galeno ahead of Monday’s AFC Champions League Elite meeting with Al Gharafa.
The Senegal international and Brazilian forward took part in the whole of Sunday’s training session after completing their treatment and rehabilitation programmes, according to sources cited by Al Riyadiyah.
Both players are now physically ready to return, although it has not yet been decided whether either will start against the Qatari side. Al Ahli head coach Marino Pusic is expected to make a final decision during the technical meeting held several hours before kick-off, based on his plans and the needs of the match.
Their potential return offers Al Ahli greater attacking and goalkeeping options for the third-round encounter, but the team will still be without three players who have not recovered in time.
Merih Demiral, Saleh Abu Al Shamat and Nayef Masoud are continuing their respective treatment and rehabilitation programmes and remain unavailable.
Demiral suffered an ankle injury during training before Al Ahli’s match against Al Khaleej last Saturday in the 11th round of the Roshn Saudi League. Abu Al Shamat has missed the team’s most recent two matches against Al Fayha and Al Khaleej because of a shoulder-joint injury.
Masoud is recovering from an ankle problem that has ruled him out of four league matches. He also missed the continental fixture against UAE club Al Wasl and will not be considered for selection against Al Gharafa.
Al Ahli completed their preparations with a final training session in Jeddah on Sunday. The coaching staff used the workout to complete their technical and tactical preparations, while waiting to assess whether Mendy and Galeno would be involved.
The Saudi club are fifth in the West group with four points from their opening two matches. They began the campaign with a 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor before recording a 3-1 victory over Al Wasl.
Al Gharafa arrive under considerably greater pressure after losing both of their opening fixtures. They were beaten 2-1 by Al Hilal and then suffered another 2-1 defeat against Esteghlal, leaving them without a point.
The match represents an important opportunity for Al Ahli to strengthen their position in the Asian competition, while Al Gharafa must begin collecting points to revive their hopes of progressing from the group.