Saudi Arabia’s squad complete as Al-Braikan returns before South Korea test

Saudi Arabia have a fully available squad for Friday’s friendly against South Korea after Al-Ahli striker Firas Al-Braikan returned to full training during the team’s camp in Doha.

The match, scheduled for 13 November 2026, is the first of two friendlies for the national side during its current camp in Qatar as they prepare for future commitments.

Al-Braikan had missed Saudi Arabia’s group sessions over the previous two days while dealing with a cold, raising doubts over whether he would be fit to face South Korea. The Saudi Football Federation’s official account on X confirmed that he trained with the squad for the first time during the current international break.

The forward is regarded as one of Saudi Arabia’s key players. He finished as the leading scorer at the most recent Gulf Cup, scoring three goals as the team won the Gulf Cup 27 title for the first time in 23 years.

His return means Saudi Arabia have no absentees ahead of the South Korea fixture. Lens right-back Saud Abdulhamid also joined team training for the first time on Monday.

Saudi Arabia will remain in Doha for another friendly against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, 17 November 2026.

Donis future denied again

The positive news from the training camp follows renewed confirmation that Greece manager Giorgos Donis remains in charge of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi broadcaster Abdulrahman Al-Humaidi, host of the Nadina programme on MBC 1, had claimed that Donis would leave his position as national-team manager with “99%” certainty.

Donis dismissed those reports in comments to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya, saying: “The rumours that are released from time to time about my professional future with the Saudi national team do not concern me.”

He added: “What matters to me now is developing the Green and focusing on the work. I have the experience to deal with what is being said about my professional future, and I will give my best to serve Saudi football.”

His comments followed a statement from the Saudi Football Federation, reported by Saudi channel Al Ekhbariya, which denied that the Greek coach was facing dismissal and reiterated that he would continue in his role.

It is the second time the federation has rejected reports of Donis’ departure, after issuing a similar denial in October.

Some reports had claimed that the federation planned to appoint Roberto Martinez, the former Portugal manager, to lead Saudi Arabia at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in place of Donis. The claims caused anger among Saudi football supporters because of the limited time remaining before the tournament, prompting the federation’s initial denial.

However, the postponement of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup from January to December next year has renewed speculation over Donis’ position, with more time now available before the competition begins.