ALAHSA — The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has confirmed that Salem Al-Dawsari won't be participating in the upcoming World Cup 2026 and Asia Cup 2027 qualifiers against Pakistan and Jordan. Al-Dawsari, who recently won the Best Asian Player award, left the national team camp due to an ankle injury sustained during a match against Al-Taawoun. Coach Roberto Mancini permitted his departure based on a medical report indicating the need for treatment. Despite challenges, Saudi Arabia, led by Mancini, aims for victory in the qualifiers, starting with a match against Pakistan, followed by a game against Jordan in Group Seven, alongside Tajikistan. The top two teams from each group advance to the World Cup qualifiers' third round, with Saudi Arabia already securing a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup as the host nation.
