Arab Cup Showdown: Saudi Arabia's Shake-Up as Kano and Hosaawi Sit Out

Injury news and lineup changes

Saudi Arabia will be without Mohammed Kano and Murad Hosaawi for the third place match against the United Arab Emirates in the Arab Cup, as the teams seek bronze.

According to the Saudi newspaper Al-Yom, French coach Hervé Renard will reshuffle the Greens' lineup after Kano's absence was confirmed.

The Saudi federation announced that Kano did not take part in training due to ankle pain, while MRI scans for Murad Hosaawi showed a thigh muscle injury.

According to the same paper, Renard will deploy Musab Al-Juwair in midfield, alongside Nasser Al-Dosri and Abdullah Al-Khibrri to compensate for the missing duo.

Projected XI and context

Goalkeeper: Nawaf Al-Aqidi.

Defence: Ali Majrashi, Abdulrahman Al-Omari, Hassan Tambakti, Nawaf Boshl.

Midfield: Abdullah Al-Khibrri, Nasser Al-Dosri, Musab Al-Juwair.

Attack: Salem Al-Dosari, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, Firas Al-Breikan.

Saudi Arabia had previously fallen 1-0 to Jordan in the Arab Cup semi-final, while the UAE were beaten 3-0 by Morocco in the same stage.

Note: The article includes a match preview and lineup details; the above reflects the reported plan.

Punchline 1: If Renard’s plan works, bronze medals might finally come with a warranty badge. Punchline 2: Coaches don’t leave formations hanging—this one’s hanging by a thread… in a good way, hopefully.