Bronze Feathers and Bent Ankles: Saudi Arabia’s Kanno Out as UAE Clash Looms in Arab Cup 2025
17 December 2025
Injury Update
The Saudi national team announced that midfielder Mohammed Kanno will miss training ahead of the UAE match in the 2025 Arab Cup.
Saudi Arabia will face the United Arab Emirates tomorrow, Thursday, at Khalifa International Stadium, in the third place play off.
On his official X account the Saudi federation confirmed Kanno did not participate in team training because of ankle pain.
Kanno represents another blow for the Green Falcons after Murad Al Hosawi, who missed training yesterday.
The Saudi team said MRI scans showed a thigh muscle injury.
Team Selection and Outlook
This tightens options for French coach Hervé Renard, especially in midfield, ahead of the UAE game.
Renard may rely on Abdullah Al Khibri, Nasser Al Dosari, and Musab Al Juair as the core alongside the injured Kano.
The tournament has seen several Green Falcons sidelined, with Muteb Al Harbi absent from the start, and Jihad Dhakri and Ayman Yahya also sidelined, while Walid Al Ahmad was sent off in the last match.
With Kano out Abdullah Al Khibri, Nasser Al Dosari and Musab Al Juair could be tested in midfield as the Saudis chase a podium finish.
Fans will watch whether Renard can plug the gap and keep the squad’s momentum.
Bronze Quest and Beyond
The tournament has seen injuries cut deep into the squad prompting reshuffles and tactical tweaks as the bronze awaits.
The match is scheduled for Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium.
Punchline: If midfield were a crime scene, Renard would need a map, a flashlight, and a miracle to locate the ball.
Punchline 2: Don’t worry, Renard—the physiotherapist just filed a sequel: The Return of the Roster. It’s a light comedy, with extra shin guards.
