Champions League displays could earn Saudi comeback stars a place in Renard’s World Cup plans

Many of those involved in Saudi football will be feeling happy as they watch the country’s clubs in action during the AFC Champions League — but national team coach Herve Renard will surely be more pleased than most.

Results and performances have been good — of the four Saudi teams in the competition, only Al-Taawoun failed to progress to the second round — but there are other reasons why the Frenchman will be smiling.

Renard has been hit with bad news recently about serious injuries to striker Saleh Al-Shehri and midfielder Abdulellah Al-Malki. But a number of players who have been out of the national team spotlight for one reason or another have shown signs in the Champions League that they are returning to fitness and form.

With less than seven months before the Green Falcons take on Argentina in the opening game of the World Cup — a tough first test that will be followed by Group C clashes against Poland and Mexico — there is time for anyone to stake a claim to a place in the squad. This is especially true for those that have impressed in the past.

Saudi Arabia booked their place at the 2022 World Cup with time to spare thanks to stars such as Salman Al-Faraj and Salem Al-Dawsari. But in the run-up to the 2018 World Cup the standout star was Nawaf Al-Abed. The midfielder ended up joint top scorer in the final round of qualification with five goals, four of which came in the first four games. But then came injuries and he was left out of the squad for the finals in Russia by coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, who had arrived just months earlier. Since then, Al-Abed has continued to struggle for fitness and has hardly played for the national team. He didn’t play much for his club, Al-Hilal, either and in 2020 moved to