Al-Ittihad received a huge morale and tactical boost ahead of their crucial AFC Champions League match, with the confirmation that their key right-back, Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, is fit to play against Qatari side Al-Gharafa. Al-Shanqiti returned to full training on Sunday evening, dispelling any doubts about his availability for this important continental fixture.
Al-Shanqiti had caused concern among Al-Ittihad fans after sustaining an injury that forced him to leave the field during the team's last match in the Saudi Professional League against their arch-rivals, Al-Nassr. Al-Shanqiti is a key player in the coach's lineup, known for his solid defensive capabilities and valuable attacking contributions through his runs down the right flank, making his return at this crucial time a significant boost for the team.
The importance of the match in the Asian context
This match holds special significance as it falls within the AFC Champions League, the most prestigious and important club competition in Asia. Al-Ittihad, with its rich history as one of the most prominent Saudi and Asian clubs, aims to achieve positive results to advance in the tournament and compete for the title, which it has already won twice. Matches between Saudi and Qatari clubs are always highly competitive, adding further excitement and anticipation to this encounter.
Al-Ittihad is scheduled to host Al-Gharafa on Tuesday evening at 9:15 PM, as part of the seventh round of the group stage of the current edition of the tournament. Al-Ittihad enters the match looking to improve its position in the group, currently holding 9 points, while Al-Gharafa has 6 points. This makes the result of the match directly impactful on the group standings and both teams' chances of qualifying for the knockout stages.
The expected impact of Al-Shanqiti's return
The return of Muhannad Al-Shanqiti gives the coaching staff a wider range of tactical options, both defensively to secure the back line and offensively to capitalize on his speed and ability to deliver accurate crosses. Al-Ittihad fans are hoping that the full fitness of the players, including Al-Shanqiti, will contribute to a valuable victory that will bring the team a significant step closer to achieving its continental goals this season and continuing its successful run in the most important tournament.
