Saudi Arabia squad: Georgios Donis weighs returns for Doha camp

Saudi Arabia manager Georgios Donis is close to finalising his squad for next month’s training camp in Doha, with the list expected to be announced next week ahead of preparations for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

The camp will take place during the international break from 9 to 17 November and will include two friendlies. Saudi Arabia will face South Korea on 13 November before meeting Uzbekistan on 17 November, giving Donis an opportunity to assess his players before the next stage of the team’s preparations.

Donis is expected to retain many of the players involved in the previous international gathering, when Saudi Arabia won the Gulf Cup. However, the new squad could include several changes depending on the players’ fitness, form and disciplinary situations, according to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

Al-Juwayr and Al-Dawsari under consideration

Musab Al-Juwayr is among the strongest candidates to return after missing the previous camp for disciplinary reasons. He later appeared in Saudi Arabia’s celebrations following their Gulf Cup triumph, and may now come back into Donis’ plans.

The condition of captain Salem Al-Dawsari is also being closely monitored. He has recovered from the injury suffered at the end of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the 2026 World Cup and could be included, although the coaching staff have yet to make a final decision.

Hammam Al-Hamami is less likely to be ready after suffering a hamstring injury in the Gulf Cup final. He is continuing his treatment programme, while goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi is also expected to miss the camp because of injury.

The Saudi medical team is reportedly monitoring Al-Aqidi, Alaa Al-Haji and Al-Hamami almost daily, with the coaching staff receiving regular updates on their rehabilitation and their prospects of returning to training and playing during the Doha camp.

Donis is hoping to recover at least one of the three, given their importance to his plans. Al-Haji’s injury, sustained during the Gulf Cup, has also left the midfield as an area requiring a replacement, as he remains in treatment and continues his rehabilitation.

Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi is one option to cover for Al-Aqidi. He was previously called up for the preparatory camp in the United States and continued training with the national team during the 2026 World Cup, despite not making the final tournament squad.

Defensive changes expected

Hassan Kadesh’s long-term injury is likely to lead to another defensive adjustment. Ali Lajami is one of the leading candidates to take his place, having been included in Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Donis is also considering giving opportunities to younger players as he seeks to reduce the team’s average age. Abdulaziz Al-Suwailm, the Al Fateh defender, is a potential inclusion after impressing last season and being nominated for the Saudi Pro League’s Young Player of the Year award.

Saud Abdulhamid could also return after missing the previous gathering because of injury. The Lens defender has resumed regular appearances for his club this month, improving his chances of being recalled.

The final squad size has not yet been confirmed, but Saudi Arabia could take 30 players to Doha four more than for the previous camp. The larger group would allow Donis to test more options and assess their fitness ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.