Renard Makes a Move: Al-Hamdan Out as Saudi Prepares for Algeria Showdown
17 November 2025
The Saudi national team has left Abdullah Al-Hamdan out of the squad for the friendly against Algeria, scheduled for Tuesday at Al-Inam Stadium in Jeddah, as part of their build-up for the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar (December 1-18).
The official line from the camp states that coach Hervé Renard decided on the exclusion because the forward needs a medical rehabilitation program, making him unavailable for the Algeria encounter. Al-Hamdan did feature in the recent friendly against Ivory Coast, a 1-0 victory, but will sit this one out in favor of a longer recovery plan.
Official Statement
In an official release, Renard explained that the decision to omit Al-Hamdan stems from the need for specialized therapy and a focused recovery path. The federation added that the timing aligns with ongoing medical plans, ensuring the player returns to peak condition for future duties.
Prior to the Algeria clash, Al-Hamdan had taken part in the team’s warm-up and tactical sessions, but muscle discomfort during Sunday’s group training led to the precautionary measure of resting him and allowing others to push forward with ball possession drills and set-piece work.
The squad session prior to the Algeria game started with light warm-ups, then moved into possession and mini-tactics, before finishing with fixed-ball exercises. The session underscored the team’s emphasis on cohesion and precision ahead of a high-profile December window.
Who Is Abdullah Al-Hamdan?
Abdullah Al-Hamdan is a 26-year-old attacker who rose through the youth ranks at Al-Shabab and spent a loan spell at Sporting Gijón in Spain in 2018. He later joined Al-Hilal in 2021 on a five-year deal, contributing to the club with several goals and assists, and broadening his versatility beyond a pure number nine role.
Internationally, Al-Hamdan starred for Saudi youth teams and earned calls with the senior side, with his experience spanning domestic and international leagues. In the current campaign with Al-Hilal, he has appeared in multiple competitions, logging minutes and offering a dynamic presence that allows him to operate across attacking positions, press high, and link play with midfielders and forwards alike.
His development has been characterized by smart movement inside the box, high-press application, and the ability to affect the game by creating chances for teammates as much as finishing them. Such attributes make him a valuable asset for coaches seeking flexibility in attacking options, especially in a squad that prides itself on rapid transition play.
Renard vs Algeria
Renard’s return to a familiar adversary adds intrigue: the French coach has faced Algeria multiple times, with a record that includes one win and two losses against the North Africans. The upcoming friendly offers Renard the chance to rewrite parts of history and set a fresh tone for his side in the build-up to major tournaments.
Examining past encounters reveals a rivalry that has never yielded a draw in Renard’s meetings with Algeria — a narrative that promises competitive, edge-of-seat football when the two teams meet in Jeddah. The England-tinged drama in Renard’s coaching career with different teams adds a layer of tactical chess to what should be an engaging showcase ahead of Qatar 2025.
In previous head-to-heads, Renard’s teams faced Algeria in 2009 while he was at the helm of Zambia, losing both legs of a World Cup qualifier tie. The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals also showcased a clash against Algeria, with Renard’s Ivory Coast side securing a 3-1 win. Since then, the two have not met in major competitive fixtures, amplifying curiosity about how the tactical duel will unfold in this friendly.
Ultimately, the match is less about revenge and more about preparation and experimentation as Renard shapes his squad for December’s calendar and beyond. Expect selection decisions to balance experience with youth as Saudi Arabia looks to sharpen their squad depth and readiness for a demanding winter schedule.
Punchline time: If Renard’s playbook were a dating app, Algeria would be swiping left, Saudi would be swiping right, and the match would still end with a perfect pass. Punchline two: In football, timing is everything—this training week proves Renard’s calendar app is not just about goals, it’s about making room for a few surprising assists, too.
