Saudi Arabia Announces Final Squad for Gulf Cup, Excludes Al Hilal Goalkeeper
Saudi Arabia's coach Herve Renard announced the final 26-player squad for the Gulf Cup, excluding Al Hilal goalkeeper Mohammed Al Rubaie to meet competition regulations.
Herve Renard, head coach of the Saudi Arabian national football team, has finalized his squad for the Gulf Cup, dropping Mohammed Al Rubaie, the Al Hilal goalkeeper. The announcement was made on Thursday night via the team's official social media account.
The final list includes 26 players: three goalkeepers and 23 outfield players, adhering to the competition’s regulations. Al Rubaie's exclusion follows an earlier decision to drop midfielder Abdullah Al-Khaibari due to injury, reducing the squad from 27 to the required 26 players.
Despite facing fitness challenges, captain Salem Al-Dawsari, who suffered a minor facial fracture, has been retained in the squad. Renard’s choices reflect a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, ready for group matches against Bahrain, Iraq, and Yemen.
Goalkeepers: Mohammed Al-Owais, Ahmed Al-Kassar, Nawaf Al-Aqeeli.
Defenders: Yasser Al-Shahrani, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Awn Al-Sullouli, Ali Lajami, Hassan Tambakti, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, Sultan Al-Ghannam, Saad Al-Mosa, Nawaf Al-Boushal, Abdulmalek Al-Eryani.
Midfielders: Nasser Al-Dawsari, Abdulilah Al-Malki, Musab Al-Juwair, Mohammed Kanoo, Salem Al-Dawsari, Ayman Falatah, Abdulaziz Al-Othman, Abdulilah Al-Hawsawi, Mohammed Al-Qahtani.
Forwards: Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Firas Al-Buraikan.
Saudi Arabia will begin their Gulf Cup campaign with a group-stage match against Bahrain, aiming for a strong start under Renard's leadership.
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