Saudi Arabia call up Abdulquddus Atiyah as Nawaf Al-Aqidi injury is assessed

Saudi Arabia have called up Al-Taawoun goalkeeper Abdulquddus Atiyah to their squad for Khaleeji 27, with Nawaf Al-Aqidi’s involvement in the remainder of the tournament in doubt because of injury.

The Saudi national team confirmed the move on its official X account, saying: “Georgios Donis, the Saudi coach, has called up Abdulquddus Atiyah to join the Green Falcons’ camp.”

Al-Aqidi was forced off during Saudi Arabia’s opening 1-0 victory over Kuwait after being hurt in a collision involving several players as they challenged for the ball.

He started the match but was replaced by goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais in the closing stages.

The extent of Al-Aqidi’s injury will be assessed on Thursday, when he is due to undergo comprehensive medical tests and a detailed examination. The results will determine the nature of the problem, its severity and whether he can continue to play for Saudi Arabia during the tournament.

There had initially been concern that the injury might have involved Al-Aqidi’s head. However, Georgios Donis said after the match that the goalkeeper had been hurt in his hand.

“We will see how serious the injury is,” Donis told reporters at his post-match news conference. “If the problem is serious, we will have to replace him in the squad.”

The medical assessment is expected to establish the treatment programme required, how long Al-Aqidi may be unavailable and whether he can take part in Saudi Arabia’s upcoming matches.

The possibility that he will miss the rest of Khaleeji 27 was raised by Asharq Al-Awsat, which reported that the goalkeeper could be absent until the tournament concludes on 6 October.

Al-Aqidi’s position will therefore remain subject to the outcome of the examinations, while Atiyah has been brought into camp as Saudi Arabia waits for a final decision on the goalkeeper’s fitness.