Saudi Arabia will have a fully fit squad for Friday’s friendly against South Korea after Firas Al-Birakan returned to group training during the team’s camp in Doha.
The Al Ahli forward had missed the previous two training sessions because of a cold, raising doubts over his availability for the first of two matches in the current international break.
Saudi Arabia will face South Korea on 13 November 2026 before meeting Uzbekistan in Doha on 17 November. Both games are preparation for the team’s upcoming commitments.
Al-Birakan is regarded as an important member of the national side. He finished as top scorer at the previous Gulf Arab Cup, Gulf 27, with three goals and helped Saudi Arabia win the title for the first time in 23 years.
His return means Saudi Arabia have no absentees ahead of the South Korea match. Lens right-back Saud Abdulhamid also took part in training for the first time on Monday.
The positive news comes as Saudi Arabia prepare for their second friendly of the camp against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, 17 November.
Donis future denied
The improved atmosphere in the camp has also been strengthened by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s denial of reports that Greece manager Giorgos Donis could lose his job.
Saudi journalist Abdulrahman Al-Humaidi, presenter of the Nadina programme on MBC 1, had claimed that Donis would leave his position as Saudi Arabia manager with “99%” certainty.
Donis rejected the reports in comments to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya.
“I am not concerned by the rumours that emerge from time to time about my professional future with the Saudi Arabia national team,” he said.
“What matters to me now is developing the Green Falcons and concentrating 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 Arabian Football Federation, reported by Saudi channel Al Ekhbariya, which denied that Donis was facing dismissal and confirmed that he would remain in charge.
It is the second time the federation has rejected reports of Donis’s departure, after issuing a similar denial in October.
Earlier reports had claimed the federation wanted to appoint former Portugal manager Roberto Martinez to lead Saudi Arabia at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in place of Donis.
Those stories caused anger among Saudi football supporters, particularly because of the limited time before the tournament. The federation responded by denying the reports.
However, the postponement of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup from January to December next year revived discussion about Donis’s future, with more time now available before the competition.
