Al Sadd will miss the services of Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah for their QNB Stars League Week 12 home match against Al Markhiya on Saturday.

Bounedjah suffered a fracture on his right leg during their 2-4 loss to Al Duhail in Week 9 and had missed the last two rounds of action.

He is still undergoing a rehabilitation programme to reach full fitness and may play against Al Sailiya in Week 13 on 20th January.

Bounedjah’s absence will be a blow to The Wolves’ bid to regain the league shield. They are second in the standings on 27 points, two behind Al Duhail.

Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira is intensely preparing Al Sadd players ahead of their date with Al Markhiya.