Injury Blitz as Saudi Camp Takes a New Hit: Renard Faces a Shaken Green Falcons
10 November 2025
In Hervé Renard's Saudi camp, injuries keep mounting, threatening depth in attack and defense as November preparations roll on.
The medical staff confirmed that Saleh Al-Shehri cannot complete today’s training due to a leg knock and will undergo further tests to assess the damage.
Al-Shehri is a key attacking option for Renard, known for his experience and goalscoring ability. The camp began last Sunday and runs through November 18 as part of Arab Cup preparations.
Injury Wave
Beyond Al-Shehri, Saad Al-Mousa, a defender from Al-Ittihad, suffered a fractured ankle and was ruled out of action.
Ayman Yahya, from Al-Nassr, is sidelined with a groin/hamstring issue, followed by Meteb Al-Harbi, the left-back from Al-Hilal, after day one. Hassan Tambakti also picked up an injury and was withdrawn from the squad.
Three New Call-Ups
Renard called up Sultan Mandesh (Al-Taawoun), Hasan Kadsh (Al-Ittihad), and Yasser Al-Shahrani (Al-Hilal) to bolster options.
Mandesh adds width and midfield cover, Kadsh offers defensive versatility, and Al-Shahrani brings experience on the flanks and in defense.
Saudi Squad and Outlook
The squad now combines fresh call-ups with seasoned players. Goalkeepers: Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Abdulrahman Al-Sanabi, Mohammed Al-Yami, Ragid Najjar.
Defenders include Yasser Al-Shahrani, Hasan Kadsh, Jihad Dhikri, Abdulilah Al-Omari, Walid Al-Ahmad, Ali Majrashi, Saud Abdul-Hamid, Nawaf Boshl, Mohammed Suleiman.
Midfielders feature Nasser Al-Dosari, Murad Housawi, Ziyad Al-Jehani, Mohammed Keno, Abdullah Al-Khaibri, Musab Al-Jaweir, Sultan Mandesh.
Forwards include Saleh Al-Dosari, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Saleh Abu Shamat, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Marwan Al-Sahafi, Feras Al-Brekan.
Fan anticipation remains high as the Green Falcons prepare for two October/November friendlies against Ivory Coast and Algeria, part of Arab Cup preparations in Qatar.
The squad also aims to deliver a strong showing in the Arab Cup in Qatar 2025, with a World Cup 2026 bid in sight after a tough qualifying campaign that featured a decisive win over Indonesia and a late exit from the group stages in the previous cycle.
With renewed scrutiny on the coaching staff and selection decisions, Saudis hope this camp translates into better results and a more cohesive unit on the pitch.
And yes, if injuries were a transfer window, Renard would have a full squad by now. In the name of health insurance, perhaps the medical team should start charging admission to the gym rather than the press box.
Punchline 1: In Renard’s world, the only thing red cards are handed out for is over-enthusiastic stretching.—keep it light, lads.
Punchline 2: If endurance were a tactic, Saudi Arabia would have already qualified for the next World Cup; instead, they’re assembling depth like a DIY shelf from IKEA—need a few extra screws and a lot of patience.
