Key winger left out of Saudi World Cup squad

Winger Nawaf Al Abed has been left out of Saudi Arabia’s squad for the World Cup finals as Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side finalise preparations for their first appearance at the tournament since 2006.

Al Abed, a key member of the squad during qualifying and who was instrumental in Al Hilal reaching the 2017 Asian Champions League final, has struggled with injury since the turn of the year and the 28-year old failed to make it into Pizzi’s final 23-man selection.

Goalkeeper Assaf Qarny, defenders Saeed Al Mowalad and Mohammed Jahfali, and midfielder Mohammed Al Kuwaykibi were also cut from a 28-man preliminary squad named last month.