The Peninsula
QNB Qatar Stars League (QSL) teams are revving up their preparations ahead of the season's restart as fans in the country eagerly await the return of football action after a long unscheduled break.
Al Sadd players hit the training pitches sessions on Thursday and yesterday following a two-day break as per the second stage of QSL's protocol.
Coached by Xavi Hernandez, Al Sadd underwent quarantine at the Ritz Carlton following the second round of COVID-19 tests which came back negative. The protocols have been developed by the Qatar Stars League Management and approved by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH).
Currently the QSL outfits are undergoing training at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium, indoor stadium at the Aspire Academy, training grounds for Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup and training grounds of the clubs. QSL's Round 18 matches will kick off behind closed doors on July 24.
On the opening day, title-contenders Al Rayyan will meet Qatar SC at the Education City Stadium, the newly opened 2022 World Cup venue, while Al Gharafa take on Al Arabi in the Al Janoub Stadium.
Al Sadd, currently placed third in the standings, will meet Al Khor at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Leaders Al Duhail face Umm Salal at the Education City Stadium the following day. Al Shahaniya will meet Al Ahli at the Al Janoub Stadium while Al Wakrah play against Al Sailiya at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in the last fixture of Round 18.
With five more rounds remaining until the end of the domestic League season, the clubs are looking to make full use of this period in order to ensure the readiness of their players following the longest break from action the sports world has seen in decades.
Before the competition was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Al Duhail were leading the points tally with 42 points, followed by Al Rayyan (38) and Al Sadd (32) who occupied the second and third positions respectively.
Al Gharafa are currently in fourth place with 28 points. Al Arabi (24) and Al Sailiya (23) are fifth and sixth respectively. Al Shahaniya (10) are placed at the bottom while Umm Salal and Al Khor, both having collected 14 points each, are battling to avoid relegation.