Saudi Green Suffer Fresh Setback as Renard Recasts Shield for Egypt Friendly
23 March 2026
Injury setback ahead of Egypt friendly
Saudi Arabia has been dealt a fresh setback as one of its stars sustains a sudden injury ahead of a highly anticipated friendly against Egypt on Friday, part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup cycle.
The Green have been hit by injuries in recent days, with Salem Al-Dawsari, Hassan Tambakti, and Muteb Al-Harbi among those sidelined. The team's official post on the social network confirmed that Zakaria Hossawi, left back of Al Ahli, did not complete the final training session due to knee pain.
Renard recalls Ali Lagami to bolster the defense
The French coach Hervé Renard has called up Ali Lagami, the Al Hilal defender, to the green camp to face Egypt given that Tambaki is not fully fit for the match. Lagami had been part of the national team second squad and was then brought back into the first team for the Egypt friendly, according to the report.
The match is set to provide a test ahead of the next phase of the World Cup cycle as Renard looks to adjust the defense and options in the absence of some regulars.
Punchline 1: If injuries keep piling up, Renard may need to launch a substitution club and turn roster changes into stand-up material.
Punchline 2: With this many changes, the only thing rotating faster than the ball is the training schedule.
