Al Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimsson spoke to the media ahead of their 2020-21 season QNB Stars League Week 8 match against Al Rayyan.

“We know very well the importance of Al Rayyan match as this clash is always full of excitement, rivalry and enthusiasm. We hope to have fans to support us in this match. We have some injuries in the team and there are players who will come back from injury and if we want to risk them in the Al Rayyan match, we will have to evaluate this with the medical team as we always do.

“There is also an important match awaiting us in the Amir Cup final (against Al Sadd on 18th December) and everyone hopes that we will be at the top of our readiness for that clash. So we will not risk any player in the Al Rayyan match. Undoubtedly, a victory (in the Amir Cup final) will give us a great morale boost. And if we lose, we will always try to preserve morale, but winning always gives the spirit that the team so desperately needs presently.

“We know that we did not present the expected performance in the league and Al Rayyan are among the teams that are doing well. I think that this will not make a difference when the whistle blows as everyone will be ready for our next important match against Al Duhail (in Week 9) and then the Amir Cup final. We have to be careful about the players who are playing and are not ready to play 90 minutes,” said Hallgrimsson.

Al Arabi player Fahd Khalfan said, “We are ready to meet Al Rayyan. This is an important clash and always a strong match for both teams. We need the three points. I also hope that we will succeed in the next match against Al Duhail, a game that will prepare us for the Amir Cup final against Al Sadd. We want to fulfil the fans’ dream of winning the Amir Cup. We are in the 10th spot and that does not do justice to our team’s talent.”