Saudi Arabia's World Cup squad arrived in Germany carrying a significant injury burden, with nine players missing training sessions in recent days. Veteran forward Sami Al-Jaber is among those sidelined, having sustained a right foot problem, though team medical staff described his condition as minor.
Brazilian coach Marcus Paqueta has been forced to restructure his training approach as a result, even holding one closed session with access restricted to the team manager only. Officials insisted the setbacks would not alter the squad's overall preparations.
Saudi Arabia opens Group H play against Tunisia in Munich, a matchup that marks only the second all-Arab encounter in World Cup history. The first came in 1994, when Saudi Arabia defeated Morocco 2-1.
Midfielder Omar El-Ghamedi expressed confidence that this squad outperforms the 2002 side, which was eliminated in the first round after suffering a heavy 8-0 defeat to Germany. El-Ghamedi cited stronger warm-up competition this cycle, including a 1-0 loss to 2002 semifinalists Türkiye, as evidence of better readiness. "We have prepared well both technically and physically," he said.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.