Donis faces one final selection call before Saudi Arabia’s South Korea friendly

Saudi Arabia manager Georgios Donis has almost settled on his starting line-up for Friday’s friendly against South Korea, with five Al Hilal players expected to feature.

The match will be played at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, as both sides prepare for their upcoming commitments.

Saudi journalist Khalid Al-Shنيف, presenter of the television programme Dawryna Ghair, reported that Donis had decided on 10 positions. His only uncertainty is on the left wing, where he is choosing between Al Hilal forward Sultan Al-Mandash and Al-Ittihad player Ahmed Al-Ghamdi.

Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais is expected to start, alongside four more Al Hilal players: centre-back Hassan Al-Tambakti, left-back Moteb Al-Harbi and midfielders Mohammed Kanno and Nasser Al-Dawsari.

Al-Nassr defender Abdulelah Al-Amri is set to partner Al-Tambakti in central defence, while Saud Abdulhamid, who plays for French club Lens, is expected to operate at right-back.

In attack, Al-Qadsiah players Musab Al-Juwair and Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat are likely to play behind Al-Ahli striker Firas Al-Buraikan.

Saudi Arabia have a full squad

Saudi Arabia will go into the game with no absentees after Al-Buraikan returned to full training on Wednesday for the first time during the current international break.

The Al-Ahli forward had missed the squad’s opening two training sessions because of a cold, raising doubts over whether he would be fit to face South Korea.

His return means Donis has a complete squad available. Abdulhamid also joined collective training for the first time on Tuesday after linking up with the team.

Saudi Arabia will play another friendly during their Doha camp, against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, 17 November.

Donis future remains under discussion

The manager’s position has also been the subject of recent reports. Saudi presenter Abdulrahman Al-Humaidi, who hosts Nadeena on MBC 1, said Donis was 99% certain to leave his role.

Donis dismissed the speculation in comments to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, 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 Falcons 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.”

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation, in a statement reported by Saudi channel Al-Ekhbariya, has denied that the Greek coach is facing dismissal and confirmed that he will remain in charge.

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

Earlier reports had linked Saudi Arabia with former Portugal manager Roberto Martinez as a possible replacement ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Those claims prompted anger because of the limited time before the tournament, although the competition was later postponed from January to December next year, leaving more time before it begins.