Medical examinations conducted on Zakaria Hawsawi, the Saudi national team's left-back, revealed a minor tear, closer to a bruise, in his posterior cruciate ligament, requiring approximately two weeks for recovery.
The Al-Ahli player sustained the injury during the Saudi national team's match against Iraq last Tuesday, in the final round of Group One at the Arabian Gulf Cup "Khaleeji 27," and was forced to leave the field via an involuntary substitution in the 71st minute.
According to the newspaper "Al-Riyadhia," upon returning to Al-Ahli, the player will begin an intensive treatment program. After ten days, he will undergo a new examination to assess his condition, as part of a plan aimed at preparing him for participation against Al-Nassr on October 15th, in the ninth round of the Saudi League.
The left-back has been ruled out by Greek coach Georgios Donis, manager of the Saudi national team, for the remainder of the Arabian Gulf Cup competitions due to his injury against Iraq.
Reports confirmed that it is impossible for him to be available for Saudi Arabia's match against Qatar on Saturday in the semi-finals, or even the final scheduled for next Tuesday, should the "Green Falcons" manage to reach it.
Despite this, Zakaria Hawsawi will remain on the Saudi national team's roster, with no definitive explanation provided so far regarding why he has not been excluded, although his absence from the rest of the tournament is confirmed.
The Saudi national team faces a tough challenge against Qatar tomorrow evening, Saturday, at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, as part of the semi-final stage of the "Khaleeji 27" tournament.
