The first football team of Al-Ahly Club departed this morning, Sunday, to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, via a private plane, in preparation for their match against Al-Shorta in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Al Ahly is preparing to face a tough match against Iraqi Police in the sixth round of the continental championship, to be held at Al-Zawraa Stadium on the evening of next Monday.

The coaching staff received a new blow with the confirmed absence of striker Firas Al-Buraikan from the match due to suspension, which further deepens the team's offensive struggles ahead of the anticipated game.

It was also confirmed that player Enzo Mew would be absent from the same match due to suspension, as announced by sports analyst Walid Saeed on his account on the “X” platform.

German coach Matthias Jaissle is also missing the services of the trio Edward Mendy, Franck Kessié, and Riyad Mahrez, as they have joined their national teams for the Africa Cup of Nations.

These absences increase the difficulty of Al-Ahli's task, as the team enters the match aiming to maintain its position in the race for qualification in the continental stage.

Al-Ahli Saudi Club occupies fourth place in the West Group of the AFC Champions League Elite, with 10 points, ahead of the conclusion of the group stage.