Injured Saudi Arabia defender flown home from World Cup

By: The Associated Press Posted: 7:39 AM CST Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Saudi Arabia defender Yasser Alshahrani was flown home Wednesday to be treated for facial injuries after an alarming collision with a teammate in the World Cup win over Argentina.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/11/2022 (1409 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Alshahrani was flown from Doha to National Guard Hospital in Riyadh, the Saudi soccer federation said.

The 30-year-old player was injured in second-half stoppage time after helping to protect the Saudis’ 2-1 lead over Argentina in a shocking upset over one of the tournament favorites.

Paramedics carry Saudi Arabia's Yasser Al-Shahrani on a stretcher during the World Cup group C soccer match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Alshahrani was chasing back to defend a high cross into the Saudi penalty area when he collided with goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais, who struck Alshahrani in the face with a knee. The defender’s head also hit hard on the turf.

The Saudi team posted a video clip late Tuesday of the player speaking from a hospital bed to assure fans he was well.

Saudi Arabia next plays Saturday against Poland in Group C.