Saudi Arabia don comot goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi from dia squad for Arabian Gulf Cup wey dem dey call Gulf 27. The tournament dey happen for Jeddah. The Saudi national team official account on X post statement say the technical director Giorgos Donis exclude Al-Aqidi from Green Falcons camp for Jeddah as part of Gulf Cup 27.
Al-Aqidi collect injury on Wednesday during the 1-0 win over Kuwait for Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah. That match na first round of group stage. He leave pitch for Mohammed Al-Owais. Medical staff then assess him condition and whether he go fit continue with national team.
The statement add say dem base the decision on medical report of examinations wey player do on site of him injury for elbow. Report show say he no ready and he need treatment and rehabilitation programme.
To cover the absence of Al-Aqidi for rest of campaign, Greek coach Giorgos Donis call up Al-Ula goalkeeper Abdulquddus Attiah on Thursday. Attiah expected to start training once he join camp. That one go clear way for him to complete registration under tournament rules and become one of options Donis fit turn to for coming matches.
Al-Hilal goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais expected to be first-choice keeper for Green Falcons in remaining matches. He hold that role at 2026 World Cup for United States, Canada and Mexico. Donis call up Attiah to Jeddah camp as extra option. Technical staff want full squad and cover for every position. Tournament dey roll, fixtures dey pile up, and team need ready replacement if Al-Aqidi fail to return. Preparations dey roll on as Green Falcons look to see out Gulf Cup 27, while dem wait for final verdict on Al-Aqidi. Attiah arrival give staff extra solution for any new twist for goalkeeping position.
Next for Saudi Arabia na Oman tomorrow, Saturday, for Al-Inma Stadium. That game na second round of group stage. Dem dey look for second win for row to strengthen dia position for Group A of Gulf Cup. If Green Falcons win, dem go book dia place for semi-finals, no matter wetin happen against Iraq for third round next Tuesday.
For Group A, Saudi Arabia lead with three points after beating Kuwait 1-0. Oman and Iraq get one point each after dia 1-1 draw. Kuwait dey bottom without point. Oman need positive result to keep semi-final hopes alive. Saudi Arabia fit seal place for last four with victory. For the other Group A match, Iraq face Kuwait, with both sides targeting three points. Defeat go eliminate Kuwait from competition.
