Saudi Arabia defender Saud Abdulhamid doubtful for Gulf Cup 27

Saud Abdulhamid is a major doubt for Saudi Arabia’s squad for Gulf Cup 27 after suffering swelling in his knee while playing for French club Lens.

The right-back could miss Saudi Arabia’s training camp in Jeddah, which is due to begin next week as the national team prepares for the Gulf tournament, according to Okaz newspaper.

Jeddah will host the competition from 23 September to 6 October. Abdulhamid’s injury has raised concerns over whether he will be fit enough to join the squad and take part in the tournament on home soil.

The defender is currently following a treatment and rehabilitation programme at Lens as he works to recover from the knee problem. No timeframe for his return has been given, leaving his availability for the Saudi Arabia camp uncertain.

Abdulhamid has already missed Lens’ past two Ligue 1 matches. The club lost 2-1 to Strasbourg before suffering a 1-0 defeat by Lorient, with the Saudi international absent from both games.

His spell on the sidelines is also set to continue into Europe, with Abdulhamid expected to miss Lens’ opening Champions League fixture against Czech side Slavia Prague on Thursday.

The injury comes after the 26-year-old made an impressive start to the season. He helped Lens win the French Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain before contributing to a convincing 5-2 victory over Auxerre in the opening round of Ligue 1.

Abdulhamid scored Lens’ third goal in that match, underlining his strong opening performances before the knee issue interrupted his progress.

Saudi Arabia will now monitor his condition ahead of the camp, with his possible absence representing a setback for the national team as it prepares to compete for Gulf Cup 27 in Jeddah.