Georgios Donis faces Saudi squad questions ahead of Gulf Cup 27

Saudi Arabia manager Georgios Donis will take charge of the national team at Gulf Cup 27 amid questions over several of his squad selections, with a number of players who have impressed for their clubs recently left out.

Saudi Arabia will host the competition from 23 September to 6 October, giving the team and its coaching staff an important test as supporters look for a different performance from the Green Falcons.

The absences of Mukhtar Ali and Faris Abdi have attracted particular attention. Both players have produced good displays for Al-Ittihad and could have offered Donis additional options in midfield and defence.

Mukhtar is capable of providing a range of solutions in the centre of the pitch, while Faris Abdi has performed well in the back line. Their omission has led to questions over why they were not selected despite their recent form.

The scrutiny has also extended beyond the Al-Ittihad pair. Khaled Al-Ghannam, Nayef Masoud, Abdulaziz Al-Alaiwah and Ayman Yahya are among the other players whose absence has prompted discussion, given the performances some of them have delivered for their clubs.

Gulf Cup 27 now gives Donis the opportunity to answer those questions on the pitch. The national team’s results and performances will provide an indication of whether his current squad can compete effectively.

The tournament is also viewed as an important stage in Saudi Arabia’s preparations for the next phase.