Tunisia Adjust Squad Ahead of South Korea Friendly as Injuries and Club Commitments Take Toll
Tunisia head coach Georges Leekens has been forced to make adjustments to his squad ahead of the upcoming friendly against South Korea, following the withdrawals of key players Wahbi Khazri and Abdelkader Oueslati.
Oueslati, who plays for Atlético Madrid’s B team, has been retained by his club due to a crucial promotion play-off match on May 24 and will not be released for international duty. Meanwhile, Khazri, a regular fixture in Tunisia’s midfield, has been ruled out for three months after suffering a thigh injury. The diagnosis was confirmed by an MRI scan conducted on Tuesday.
To compensate for their absence, Leekens has recalled several players to reinforce the national team, which began its training camp on Tuesday afternoon. The four-day preparation period marks the Belgian coach’s first official outing with the Carthage Eagles since his appointment in late March.
The Tunisian squad will depart for Seoul via Dubai following the conclusion of the training camp. Once in the South Korean capital, the team is scheduled to hold three training sessions in preparation for the friendly clash set for next Wednesday. The match is expected to provide Leekens with an important opportunity to assess his players and implement his tactical approach ahead of Tunisia’s upcoming competitive fixtures.
Veteran forward Issam Jomaa will be among the key figures expected to lead a slightly reshuffled squad as Tunisia continues its build-up toward future continental engagements.
