Edouard Mendy has edged closer to a return to Al-Ahli's starting line-up ahead of Monday's fourth-round AFC Champions League Elite fixture against Al-Sadd.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper missed recent matches through injury, but the latest update gives Al-Ahli a timely boost as they prepare for a continental test in Qatar. A stronger result on Monday could help protect their place in the West group, where they sit third with seven points after two wins and a draw.
Final preparations in Qatar
Al-Ahli spent Saturday in Qatar with the players sticking to recovery work and training inside the team's hotel under Marino Pusic. Their main and final training session is scheduled for Sunday, with the focus now on getting the details right before the match against Al-Sadd.
The timing matters because the opening 15 minutes can often set the tone in a game like this, especially when one side is trying to steady its position in the group. If Mendy is cleared to start, Al-Ahli will have their first-choice goalkeeper back for a match that carries real importance in the standings.
For Al-Ahli, the key question is simple: can they turn Mendy's expected return into a positive result? With the club chasing momentum in the AFC Champions League Elite, Monday offers a chance to strengthen their position and keep their campaign on track.
