The UAE side are rock bottom of the group after picking one point from their previous three matches and a defeat on Wednesday will all but end their hopes of qualifying to the knockout stage of the tournament.

However, their task has not been helped by a number of injuries that have hit the side, who are also fighting on two fronts as they challenge for their domestic league title.

AFC Young Player of the Year Ahmed Khalil will miss the game through injury in addition to the absence of defensive duo Abdullah Ahmad and Khalid Mohammed.

Midfielders Hassan Al Beloshi and Salem Khamis are also absent while Hasek could rest Brazilian striker Bare.

“We must win against Al Hilal if we want to remain in contention,” said Hasek. “The AFC Champions League is our main priority but we have some injuries and I might be forced to field some new players.

“We will be playing against one of the top teams in Saudi Arabia and Asia. However, I’m optimistic that the players have a great determination to get the positive result we need.”

Al Hilal arrived in Dubai on Monday without midfielder Ahmed Al Fraidi, who is out for three months after fracturing his leg in Al Hilal’s 1-1 draw with Al Nasr in Saudi King’s Cup last Friday.

Belgian coach George Leekins has some other concerns as well with the availability of Abdulaziz Al Khathran in doubt after the midfielder suffered an injury to his hand and might miss the game.

“The game against Al Ahli is very important and there are no other options for us but to get a positive result,” he said.

“The previous game was very hard especially that we came from behind to win the game.

“We will be looking to repeat that win that we had in the previous game although we must expect a tough fight from Al Ahli who will be looking to use their home advantage.”