Saudi Arabia have announced an 23-men squad for the 2018 World Cup. WC Squad was selected from players in Saudi domestic league.
Goalkeeper Assaf Qarny, defenders Saeed Al-Mowalad and Mohammed Jahfali, and midfielder Mohammed Al Kuwaykibi were omitted from 28-man preliminary squad. Whereas, winger Nawaf Al Abed could not find a place in Juan Antonio Pizzi’s final 23, as he has been suffering from injury.
Among the players who are selected, Mohammad Al-Sahlawi has scored 28 goals in 38 internationals. Salman Al-Dawsari played in La Liga for Villarreal on loan from his parent club Al-Hilal Riyadh. He is an experienced central midfielder. Nawaf Al-Abed, at age of 27, is being considered as one of the best in Asia by regional media.
Saudi Arabia will play hosts Russia in the opening game of the tournament on 14 June. Saudi Arabia, who are making their first appearance after World Cup 2006, will face Egypt and Uruguay in Group A.
Goalkeepers: Mohammed Al Owais (Al Ahli), Yasser Al Mosailem (Al Ahli), Abdullah Al Mayouf (Al Hilal).
Defenders: Mansoor Al Harbi (Al Ahli), Yasser Al Shahrani (Al Hilal) Mohammed Al Breik (Al Hilal), Motaz Hawsawi (Al Ahli), Osama Hawsawi (Al Hilal), Omar Hawsawi (Al Nassr), Ali Al Bulaihi (Al Hilal).
Midfielders: Abdullah Al Khaibari (Al Shabab), Abdulmalek Al Khaibri (Al Hilal), Abdullah Otayf (Al Hilal), Taiseer Al Jassim (Al Ahli), Houssain Al Mogahwi (Al Ahli), Salman Al Faraj, Mohamed Kanno (both Al Hilal), Hattan Bahebri (Al Shabab), Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal), Yahya Al Shehri (Al Nassr), Fahad Al Muwallad (Al Ittihad).
Forwards: Mohammad Al Sahlawi (Al Nassr), Muhannad Assiri (Al Ahli).
