Al-Ahli Jeddah have received welcome news ahead of their highly anticipated AFC Champions League Elite clash with Al-Sadd, as Brazilian winger Galino Wenderson is poised to return from injury.
Saudi newspaper Al-Yawm reported that Wenderson has recovered in time for the match scheduled for next Tuesday, providing a strong boost to the Raqi side's attacking options.
Wenderson had been out for 38 days after an injury sustained in a Confederations Cup match against Egyptian side Pyramids FC, which sidelined him for a substantial part of the domestic and continental campaign.
Return boosts the attack ahead of the Al-Sadd duel
His comeback strengthens the team’s forward line, especially as he remains one of the main pillars for coach Matthias Jaissle who relies on him for pace and creativity.
The Brazilian joined Al-Ahli in January 2025 from Porto in a high-profile transfer reported at about €50 million, with a contract running through the summer of 2028.
In his time with the club, he has made 24 appearances, scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists, though recurring injuries this season have hampered his progress, leading some fans to nickname him the “unfinished deal.”
Since the start of the season, he has played 6 matches, totaling 381 minutes, without a goal or an assist.
Al-Ahli sit second in the AFC Champions League group on 7 points, behind leaders Al-Hilal on 9 points.
Internal shake-up and transfer plans
An injury to Wenderson reportedly provoked anger within Al-Ahli's board, resulting in the dismissal of the club’s medical staff over concerns about misdiagnosis and treatment planning.
Coach Jaissle held a decisive meeting with Portuguese sporting director Roy Pedro to address the team's attacking struggles and to discuss winter signings, with the director reportedly backing the move.
The January transfer window runs from January 5 to February 2, with Al-Ahli seeking offensive reinforcements amid their Saudi Pro League campaign.
Overall, Al-Ahli's attack has been notably weak in the league, with few goals across several matches and a string of draws.
As of now, the club stands fifth in the Saudi Pro League with 13 points, and it features 11 foreign players, eight of whom are over age, limiting roster flexibility.
Over-age foreigners include Edward Mendy, Merih Demiral, Roger Ibanez, Frank Kessé, Enzo Milot, Riyad Mahrez, Galino Wenderson, and Ivan Toney, while under-age talents include Valentin Atangana, Matheus Gonçalves, and Mathieu Dams.
Moreover, the club’s current lineup presents a challenge in making adjustments on short notice due to the presence of a substantial foreign contingent.
Punchlines to come: If goals were comic books, Al-Ahli would need a bigger shelf; if laughs were goals, their scoreline would be a celebration.
Punchline 2: I told my computer I was rooting for Al-Ahli—now it insists on rechecking the roster and the medical staff’s qualifications. Guess I’m not wrong, just sarcastic.
