Xavi Hernandez, all set for return after recovering from back injury.
Al Sadd superstar Xavi Hernandez is set to return to action as the Wolves prepare to take on Umm Salal for the Sunday’s QNB Stars League (QSL) clash at their home ground.
Xavi missed Al Sadd’s previous clash against Al Ahli due to a back injury, however, the Barcelona legend has recovered and took part in Al Sadd’s training session on Tuesday to flex for Umm Salal clash.
Al Sadd, though won their Round 7 clash against Al Ahli 2-1 sans Xavi, the seasoned campaigner will boost them as they seek a big win against Umm Salal after being demoted to third spot by an in-form Al Rayyan side.
Both Al Sadd and Al Rayyan have so far earned 18 points with an exact goal difference (9) but the latter edge the former courtesy to scoring number of goals (19 as against the Wolves’ 17). Al Rayyan also defeated Al Sadd in ‘Qatar Clasico’ recently.
A handsome victory against Umm Salal on November 19 will help Al Sadd in regaining the second spot and keep pressure on top-placed Al Duhail, who have 19 points.
The Wolves will also be spurred with the services of Qatar internationals, such as Saad Al Sheeb, Hassan Al Haydous, Salem Al Hajri, Boualem Khoukhi and Musaab Khader, who played in the friendlies against the Czech Republic and Iceland.
Similarly, Meshaal Barsham, Hassan Ahmed, Meshaal Al Shammari, Fahd Shnein and Yousuf Abdul Razzaq will return to the Al Sadd fold after doing duty for the Qatar Olympic team in two friendlies against its Syrian counterpart.
However, the Wolves can expect a tough challenge from the Orange Fortress who are also desperate for a victory after they slipped to fifth spot, following a 2-3 loss against Al Sailiya – who took fourth position in the standings.
Umm Salal have one of the best defences in the 12-team league, and Al Sadd attackers may find it hard to breach their solid resistance.
Overall, Umm Salal have been doing well since the start of this season, collecting 13 points from four victories and one draw. They have lost two games.
Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbo leads Umm Salal’s challenge and Syrian professional Mahmoud Al Mawas lends stability to their midfield.
