Salem Al-Dawsari’s Injury Stack Pushes Saudi Camp to Patch-Up Mode Ahead of Arab Cup 2025

Injuries continue to haunt the Saudi national team during the international break, with Salem Al-Dawsari, the captain of Al Hilal, becoming the latest casualty on the list.

The forward, a key attacker for the national side, missed the team's group session on Tuesday as part of a rehabilitation plan under the medical staff, adding to a string of muscle injuries affecting coach Herve Renard's squad during the ongoing camp.

The Saudis will play two friendlies against Ivory Coast and Algeria on November 14 and 18 as part of preparations for the upcoming competitions, notably the Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar from December 1 to 18.

The coaching staff hopes to use these matches to test new players and reintegrate those who have recovered, but recurring injuries complicate the task.

Details of Al-Dawsari's Injury

The Saudi sports daily "Al-Riyadiya" reported that Al-Dawsari missed the group training and only did rehabilitation in the gym under medical supervision to avoid aggravation of his muscle injury.

The exact nature of the injury was not disclosed, but the absence of a player of Al-Dawsari's stature is a blow to the team, especially with two friendlies against Ivory Coast and Algeria approaching and the need to prepare the squad in the best possible form ahead of the Arab Cup.

The injury marks the fourth to hit the squad during the current camp, following the exclusion of defensive duo Meteb Al-Harbi and Hassan Tembakti due to similar muscle injuries.

Additionally, Saleh Al-Shehri of Al-Ittihad is sidelined due to a muscle issue that prevented him from completing Monday's training, increasing pressure on the coaching staff.

Renard's Plans to Counter the Absences

To face these difficult conditions, Renard has decided to bring in substitutes to cover the gaps, with Hassan Kadish of Al-Ittihad and Yasser Al-Shahrani of Al-Qadsiah added to the squad to bolster the defense.

The medical staff is also working hard to restore Al-Dawsari and the others to full readiness before the Arab Cup, with a tailored rehabilitation program for each injured player to ensure their best physical and technical form.

Impact on Arab Cup Preparations

Al-Dawsari's injury is not only a technical setback but a psychological one as well. The player is a leader on the pitch and a crucial figure in big matches, with a long record of experience in continental and international competitions, and the ability to make a difference in decisive moments.

His absence will make Renard's task harder in adjusting the attacking and defensive lines and in diversifying options against strong opponents like Ivory Coast and Algeria.

Challenges Ahead for the Team

The continuing injuries pose a double challenge: preparing substitutes for the friendlies while simultaneously working to restore core players to their full level ahead of the Arab Cup.

This tournament provides a chance to cement the team's Arab presence ahead of the bigger test, the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, following their Asia playoff success with 3-2 win over Indonesia and a 0-0 draw with Iraq.

The current absences could push Renard to test different attacking and defensive formations and to give opportunities to young players who can bridge the gap in the absence of key veterans, while challenging the staff to balance physical readiness with technical harmony.

The aim is that success in overcoming these hurdles will give the team a strong push for both the Arab Cup and the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, reaffirming that the green shirt can meet difficulties and deliver results.

Punchline 1: If injuries were a sniper’s target, Saudi camp would be the priciest range—every shot lands on the bench, not the net.

Punchline 2: The medics are aiming for a quick revival, because in football, a tight schedule is just another form of a headshot—precision, not panic.