Saudi Camp Updates: Shahrani and Kadsh Return, Harbi Out as Renard Redraws Training Plan

Roster reshuffle as camp opens in Jeddah

The Saudi national team, guided by French coach Hervé Renard, has tweaked its training camp in Jeddah as preparations accelerate for the Arab Cup 2025 and the path toward World Cup 2026. Renard recalled Yasser Al-Shahrani, a player from Al-Qadsia, and Hassan Kadsh of Al-Ittihad, while Meteb Al-Harbi was left out after sustaining an injury in the Roshen Saudi Pro League.

Al-Harbi suffered a strong injury during Friday's clash between Al-Hilal and Al-Najma in the Roshen Pro League, prompting medical checks to assess his status.

Al-Shahrani's inclusion marks his first call-up since December of last year, while Kadsh returns after featuring for the Green Falcons at the Gold Cup in June. The two signings bring valuable experience to Renard's refreshed squad.

Start of Camp in Jeddah

On Sunday night, the Saudi camp began in Jeddah under Renard with a group warm-up, possession drills, and a small-sided session staged at a reserve pitch of the Enmaa Stadium.

Yesterday's session saw the absence of Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr players who had featured prominently with their clubs in the previous Roshen round, as Renard afforded them rest and planned for Monday's session with the recalled group.

Defender Hassan Tembakti of Al-Hilal was also absent from the first training session due to foot pain and underwent medical checks to determine his status.

The camp in Jeddah runs through November 18, with the aim of sharpening the Green Falcons ahead of the Arab Cup in Qatar from December 1-18.

More absences

Renard opted to exclude a number of players for injuries or technical reasons, bringing Walid Al-Ahmad in for Saad Al-Mousa, who suffered an ankle injury; Sultan Mandesh came in for Ayman Yahya, who is sidelined with a muscular issue; Murad Hosaoui was called in for Ali Al-Hassan for technical reasons, resulting in a full squad as listed: Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Abdul Rahman Al-Sanabi, Mohammed Al-Yami, Ragid Nagar, Meteb Al-Harbi, Jihad Dhakri, Abdulilah Al-Omri, Walid Al-Ahmad, Hassan Tembakti, Ali Majrashi, Saud Abdul-Hamid, Nawaf Boushl, Mohammed Suleiman, Nasser Al-Dosari, Murad Hosaoui, Ziad Al-Jehani, Mohammed Kanno, Abdullah Al-Khaibri, Salem Al-Dosari, Marwan Al-Sahafi, Sultan Mandesh, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, Abdul Rahman Al-Aboud, Saleh Al-Shehri, Firas Al-Breikan.

Absent also: Nasser Al-Dosari, Murad Hosaoui, Ziad Al-Jehani, Mohammed Kanno, Abdullah Al-Khaibri, Salem Al-Dosari, Marwan Al-Sahafi, Saleh Al-Shehri, Firas Al-Breikan, and others named for squad balance and fitness.

Details of the Camp in Jeddah

Saudi will host two friendlies in Jeddah: first against Ivory Coast on Friday, November 14, at the Enmaa Stadium, and the second against Algeria on Tuesday, November 18, at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium. These games represent a stern challenge for the Greens, given that the Algerian side lifted AFCON in 2019 and Ivory Coast won AFCON 2024 on home soil.

The Saudi squad is drawn into Group B of the Arab Cup alongside Morocco, the winner of Oman vs Somalia, and the winner of Comoros vs Yemen, setting a tough path in December’s tournament in Qatar. Renard has signaled adjustments to the team's preparation schedule during the upcoming international window.

Recent reports indicated the camp was moved from Dammam to Jeddah due to winter agricultural works affecting several Dammam venues, a logistical nudge that can be chalked up to the delicate balance between football and farming in regional planning.

Saudi Arabia's World Cup 2026 qualification was secured recently via the Asian play-off held in Jeddah, with a 3-2 win over Indonesia, followed by a 0-0 draw with Iraq. They topped Group A with four points, earning direct passage to the World Cup while Iraq moved to the global playoff. This marks the seventh World Cup appearance for Saudi, eclipsing their earlier misses in 2010 and 2014, and tying with Tunisia and Morocco for the most appearances among Arab nations (seven each). The continued success underscores Saudi football's ascent on the world stage, dating back to their first appearance in 1994 and a lasting competitive presence since then.

All told, the Green Falcons' path remains ambitious: a blend of recalled veterans, fresh calls, and a schedule that tests both depth and cohesion as they push toward 2026 and beyond.