3 absences hit Al Ahly FC against Al-Gharafa in AFC Champions League Elite

The absence list includes Turkish defender Merih Demiral, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, and Naif Masoud, forcing the coaching staff to look for suitable alternatives ahead of the continental clash.

Merih Demiral is struggling with an ankle injury sustained during training, while Saleh Abu Al-Shamat continues his recovery program from a shoulder injury. Naif Masoud is also absent due to an ankle injury that has kept him out of the team's recent matches.

Al Ahly FC enter the match in fifth place in the Western Group table, having collected four points from their first two matches. They started with a 1-1 draw against Pakhtakor before winning 3-1 against Al-Wasl.

The Saudi team hopes to secure its second victory in the AFC Champions League Elite and continue climbing the group standings despite the absences affecting its squad ahead of the anticipated match.

In contrast, Al-Gharafa are entering the match without any points, having lost to Al-Hilal and Esteghlal by the same scoreline, two goals to one in each match.

Al Ahly FC have suffered a setback ahead of their match against Al-Gharafa on Monday in the AFC Champions League Elite, with three players confirmed to miss the game due to incomplete fitness.