Saudi national team prep in Abu Dhabi amid rehab for key players

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s national team continued their preparations for the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.

Coach Herve Renard oversaw a practice session at their base in Abu Dhabi.

A noticeable absentee was team captain Salman Al-Faraj, who was allowed to travel back to the Kingdom after the death of a relative.

Salem Al-Dosari, who started all games for the Green Falcons in the last world cup in Russia, continues his rehabilitation work.

Yasser Al-Shahrani is in Riyadh for a pre-prepared treatment program and Sultan Al-Ghannam and Nasser Al-Dosari have already traveled to Qatar for treatment at the Aspetar Center in Doha.

Abdullah Mado did not practice because he was ordered to rest due to a health concern.

Saudi officials said tests showed that Sami Al-Naji had suffered a muscle injury and needs treatment.

The team’s next session at Emirates Palace Stadium will be at 4:00 p.m. Saudi time on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia is in Group C of the competition which features Lionel Messi’s Argentina, CONCACAF top-ranking nation Mexico, and Poland. The Green Falcons will kick off their campaign against the two-time competition winners Argentina at Lusail Stadium on Nov. 22.