Saudi Arabia squad complete as Firas Al-Birakan returns before South Korea friendly

Saudi Arabia have a fully available squad for Friday’s friendly against South Korea in Doha after Firas Al-Birakan returned to team training.

The Al-Ahli forward took part in a full session for the first time during the current international break after recovering from a cold which had kept him out of collective training for the previous two days.

His absence had raised doubts over whether he would be fit to face South Korea in the first of Saudi Arabia’s two friendlies during their camp in Qatar. The match will be played on 13 November 2026 as the team prepares for its forthcoming commitments.

Al-Birakan is regarded as an important member of the Saudi Arabia squad. He finished as the leading scorer at the previous Arab Gulf Cup, known as Gulf 27, with three goals, helping Saudi Arabia win the competition for the first time in 23 years.

His return means manager Georgios Donis has no reported absentees ahead of the South Korea game. Right-back Saud Abdulhamid, who plays for French club Lens, also joined group training for the first time on Monday.

Saudi Arabia will remain in Doha for another friendly against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, 17 November.

Donis future denied

Al-Birakan’s return has added to the positive mood around the camp following renewed assurances that Georgios Donis remains in his position as Saudi Arabia manager.

Saudi broadcaster Abdulrahman Al-Humaidi, presenter of the Nadina programme on MBC 1, had claimed that Donis would leave his post as head coach with “99%” certainty.

Donis dismissed the speculation in comments to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah.

“I am not concerned by the rumours that appear 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 focusing 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.”

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation also issued a statement, carried by Saudi channel Al Ekhbariya, denying that Donis could be dismissed and confirming that he would continue in his role.

It was the second time the federation had rejected reports of Donis’ departure, after issuing a similar denial in October.

Some reports had claimed the federation wanted to appoint former Portugal manager Roberto Martinez to lead Saudi Arabia at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, replacing Donis. Those reports prompted anger among Saudi football supporters, particularly because of the limited time remaining before the tournament, leading to the federation’s initial denial.

However, the postponement of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup from January to December next year revived discussion about Donis’ future by creating more time before the competition.