Nawaf Al-Aqidi injury confirmed as elbow problem, says Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis

Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi did not suffer a head injury during the Gulf Cup 27 match, coach Georgios Donis has confirmed.

Al-Aqidi was replaced by Mohammed Al Owais after sustaining the injury, prompting concern within the Saudi Arabia camp and raising questions about whether he would be able to continue in the tournament.

The goalkeeper’s early departure was particularly significant because he is one of the key players in the Saudi Arabia squad. Initial reports had suggested that Al-Aqidi may have suffered an injury to his head, but Donis rejected that account during his post-match news conference.

“Nawaf Al-Aqidi does not have a head injury at all. His injury is to his hand, and we will see how serious it is in the coming hours,” said the Greece coach.

Donis later clarified that the problem was specifically located in the goalkeeper’s elbow.

“Al-Aqidi has an elbow injury. We will assess his condition carefully and, if necessary, replace him with another player,” he said.

The coach also warned that Al-Aqidi could be removed from the squad if medical checks show that the injury is serious.

“If the problem is significant, we will have to replace him from the list,” Donis added.

Al-Aqidi is expected to undergo comprehensive medical examinations in the coming hours. Those tests will establish the extent of the injury, the length of any potential absence and whether he can remain with Saudi Arabia for the rest of its Gulf Cup 27 campaign.

The goalkeeper was forced off during Saudi Arabia’s match after the injury, with Al Owais taking his place. Donis’s comments have ruled out the head injury that had caused initial alarm, but the final decision on Al-Aqidi’s participation will depend on the results of the medical assessment.

The Saudi Arabia coach said the team would make a decision only after the goalkeeper’s condition had been evaluated in detail, leaving his availability for the remainder of the competition uncertain.