Saudi Arabia get ready for final test before World Cup starts

RIYADH: With less than a fortnight to go before Saudi Arabia kick off their World Cup campaign against Argentina, the Green Falcons are preparing to make final tweaks with a friendly against Panama.

The team, who have been preparing in Abu Dhabi, are keen to get the squad fully fit before the start of football’s greatest competition.

Saleh Al-Shehri, who continued fitness work, joined Wednesday’s training session. Captain Salman Al-Faraj performed exercises under medical staff supervision.

But in a boost to Harvé Renard’s team, Sultan Al-Ghannam and Nasser Al-Dosari returned to general training at the Emirates Palace Stadium, where the Green Falcons have been plotting their World Cup plans for the past few weeks.

The team has beaten Iceland and North Macedonia and drew with Albania and Honduras in World Cup preparation friendlies. They’ll be hoping to keep that unbeaten streak as they face Panama on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia are joined in Group C of the World Cup by Argentina, Poland and Mexico. Their first clash will be against a Lionel Messi-led Argentina at Lusail Stadium, Qatar on Nov. 22.