Saudi Arabia national team have suffered a new blow ahead of Wednesday’s showdown against Yemen as defender Yasser Al-Shahrani was ruled out of the game due to injury.
The Green Falcons will face Yemen in the second round of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup at Jaber Al-Mubarak International Stadium in Kuwait City on Wednesday in a must-win clash since they kicked off their campaign with a 3-2 defeat to Bahrain.
The Green Falcons confirmed his absence through their official X account, citing a joint injury that has sidelined the left-back.
الأخضر يختتم استعداداته لمواجهة منتخب اليمن
— تفاصيل مران الأخضر 📝⬇
🔗 https://t.co/l7XTiOyVTu . #معاك_يالأخضر pic.twitter.com/M9d9jyFhDm— المنتخب السعودي (@SaudiNT) December 24, 2024
However, coach Hervé Renard has reportedly decided to rely on Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti in the left-back position, filling the gap left by Al-Shahrani. This adjustment highlights the team’s flexibility in overcoming injury challenges as they prepare for the crucial match against Yemen.
Injury Woes Continue
Injuries have severely impacted Saudi Arabia during this Arabian Gulf Cup, forcing multiple players to withdraw before the tournament began. Key absentees include Saleh Al-Shehri, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, and Firas Al-Buraikan, weakening the team significantly.
Saudi Arabia needs a victory over Yemen tomorrow to stay in the tournament, making this a do-or-die situation for the Green Falcons. Despite their historical dominance over Yemen, the current injury crisis poses significant challenges that the team must overcome.
