Last week's 4-0 drubbing at Al Nassr ended the Uzbek team's hopes of reaching the last 16 but Khaydarov underlined that does not mean they will simply roll over against Al Sadd.

“Despite the fact that even victory will do nothing to improve our prospects, we will still play for the honour of the club,” he said.

“We want to please our fans. In addition, the match will be a great experience for our young players. In any case, we will play to win.”

Ilkhom Suyunov returns from suspension for the clash against the Qataris but defender Igor Krimets is ruled out through injury while midfielder Dilshod Sharofetdinov is banned after collecting a second yellow card of the tournament in Saudi Arabia.

However, Khaydarov is hopeful the depleted numbers will serve as an additional incentive for his team to claim the three points.

“Compared with the match in Riyadh, we will miss Igor Krimets and Dilshod Sharofetdinov. Igor has a concussion after being hit by the ball, while Dilshod received a second yellow card.

“From the injured players only Murod Khalmukhamedov is ready to play. I confess I never thought that someday I would find myself in this situation. However, this should become an additional motivation for us.”

Al Sadd, meanwhile, are looking for the victory that will see them clinch Group B. Anything else could let in Al Nassr, who travel to Esteghlal, given the Saudis trail the Qataris by just one point.

Influential defender Lee Jung-soo is suspended for the clash and coach Jorge Fossati missed the pre-match press conference through illness.

However, assistant Alejandro Valansuela confirmed the Uruguayan would take his customary spot on the bench on Wednesday.

“Tomorrow Fossati will lead the team whatever condition he may be in,” he said.

“He is always on duty, however sick he is. In addition, the match will be difficult for us, despite the difference in the position of the clubs.

“We too will play match without a full-strength squad because Ali Afif and Majdi Abdulla are both injured.

“In addition three players have one caution each and it means we have to be careful not to lose them for match in the Round of 16."