Zakaria Hawsawi is a doubt for Saudi Arabia’s meeting with Qatar after suffering a heavy knee bruise, leaving manager Georgios Donis waiting for medical clearance before deciding whether the forward can play.
The injury has raised concerns within the Saudi Arabia camp only hours before a match expected to leave little room for error. Hawsawi is regarded as one of the attacking options Donis relies on, but his availability will depend on the results of further medical examinations.
Saudi Arabian broadcaster Al Arabiya reported that Hawsawi completed his training programme in the swimming pool on the day after sustaining the injury. The work formed part of a treatment plan designed to manage the problem while limiting the strain placed on his knee.
He is due to undergo another assessment tomorrow, when the medical staff will examine the injury more closely and evaluate its effect on his movement. The next test is expected to involve Hawsawi walking on the injured leg, allowing doctors to measure the level of pain he experiences while moving.
A decision on whether he can face Qatar will be made jointly by the coaching and medical teams after that assessment. If the pain has eased sufficiently, Hawsawi will be allowed to continue preparing for the match. Should the discomfort persist, he could be withdrawn from the squad for the fixture.
The limited time before the game means Saudi Arabia cannot afford to take unnecessary risks with the player. His physical condition will therefore be the main factor in determining whether he remains available to Donis.
The outcome of tomorrow’s examination will establish whether Hawsawi can take part in the Saudi Arabia-Qatar match or must miss it because of the knee injury.
