German coach Jens Weising has decided that Houssem Aouar will not feature in Al-Ittihad’s friendly against Las Palmas on Saturday as the midfielder follows a tailored fitness programme after rejoining the squad.
Al-Ittihad are playing the second match of their pre-season training camp in Marbella, Spain, with the game against the La Liga side taking place at La Quinta Stadium.
According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, Algeria international Aouar has been ruled out of the match after only recently linking up with the “Tigers” in Spain. The 26-year-old was granted an extended break following his involvement with Algeria during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Individual programme for Algeria midfielder
The report states that Weising has designed a specific schedule for the midfielder, focused on intensive fitness work to build up his physical condition before he is introduced into match action.
The plan is aimed at ensuring Aouar is fully prepared to contribute in Al-Ittihad’s upcoming fixtures, rather than being rushed back during the early stages of pre-season.
Aouar, who switched international allegiance from France to Algeria, joined the Jeddah club last season as part of their high-profile recruitment drive and is expected to play a key role in Weising’s tactical plans once his fitness work is complete.
Marbella camp approaching conclusion
Saturday’s encounter with Las Palmas is part of Al-Ittihad’s external training camp in Marbella, where the Saudi Pro League side are stepping up their preparations for the new campaign under their new German manager.
“Al-Ameed” will conclude their stay in Spain with a final friendly on 30 July, when they face Real Mallorca, before returning to Jeddah to complete their build-up at home.
That fixture against the La Liga club will be the last test for Weising’s side in Marbella and could offer further clues about his preferred line-up and system ahead of competitive action.
Asian elite Champions League play-off opener
Al-Ittihad’s first official match of the new season is scheduled for 11 August, when they meet Al-Jazira of the United Arab Emirates in the play-off round of the AFC Champions League Elite.
The winner of that tie will secure a place in the group stage of Asia’s revamped top club competition, placing added importance on Al-Ittihad’s pre-season preparations and the readiness of key players such as Aouar.
The scheduling means Weising must balance the need to build match sharpness through friendlies with ensuring his squad arrive at the Al-Jazira clash in peak physical condition, a factor that has influenced the decision to keep Aouar on a specialised programme rather than involve him against Las Palmas.
