Hassan Kadesh faces race to recover in time for Saudi Arabia’s 2027 Asian Cup

Hassan Kadesh is at risk of missing the 2027 AFC Asian Cup after suffering an injury during Saudi Arabia’s successful Arabian Gulf Cup campaign.

Saudi Arabia will host the Asian Cup from 7 January to 5 February next year, but the Al-Ittihad defender is not expected to return until the international window that begins in January, according to the Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya.

Kadesh was injured during Saudi Arabia’s victory over Oman in the second round of the Arabian Gulf Cup, also known as Gulf 27, which was held in its 27th edition.

The defender underwent surgery in Finland on 9 October to treat an injury to his left rectus femoris muscle.

Al Riyadiya reports that the nature of the injury means Kadesh is expected to be unavailable until the January international break. That period will coincide with the Asian Cup, putting his involvement in the tournament in doubt.

His potential absence would be a significant setback for Saudi Arabia and head coach Georgios Donis. Kadesh is regarded as one of the squad’s most experienced players and has been an important figure in the defence.

Saudi Arabia won Gulf 27 by beating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in the final. The triumph was the national team’s first major Gulf Cup title in 23 years.

The Asian Cup will be staged in Saudi Arabia between 7 January and 5 February, giving Kadesh a limited timeframe in which to recover and regain his place in the squad before the tournament begins.