Bergwijn returns to Ittihad options ahead of Neftchi clash

Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn's return comes after he missed the last match against Al-Ittihad due to suffering from intestinal inflammation, making him available to German coach Jens Wissing ahead of the upcoming continental clash.

The Union will conduct its only training session in Uzbekistan on Sunday at the Independence Stadium, which has a capacity of around 20,000 spectators. Following the training, Vissing will announce his starting lineup and substitutes.

The Saudi team is looking to correct its course in the West group after collecting only one point in the first two rounds, placing them in 11th position. They are now required to achieve a positive result to enhance their chances of improving their ranking.

Al-Ittihad began their campaign with a draw against Al-Shamal, finishing 1-1, before suffering a defeat to Shabab Al-Ahli with a score of 1-2. This increases the importance of the upcoming match against Neftchi for the team and its coaching staff.

In contrast, Neftchi enters the match with three points, placing them in seventh position after starting their campaign with a win against Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya of Iraq by one goal to nil, before losing to Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia by a score of 1-3 in the second round.

The match is significant for both sides as Al-Ittihad look to recover from their early setbacks and move away from the relegation zone, while the Uzbek team hopes to regain their balance after their recent loss and continue competing in the West group.

Ittihad have regained one of their attacking options ahead of the upcoming clash against Neftchi. Dutchman Steven Bergwijn has joined the team's squad that left Jeddah on Saturday afternoon heading to Fergana to participate in the third round of the AFC Champions League Elite.