New developments in Al-Owaidi’s injury after leaving the Kuwait match

Nawaf Al-Aqidi, the Saudi national team's goalkeeper, underwent X-ray examinations in Jeddah on Thursday to check on his condition after the injury he sustained during the match against Kuwait in the opening of the "Gulf 27" campaign. Al-Aqidi sustained the injury in the 78th minute of the match, after he went out to deal with a cross following a free-kick, before colliding with an opponent, leading to him falling to the ground and play stopping for several minutes. After about five minutes from the incident, the Saudi national team's technical staff, led by Greek coach Giorgos Donis, decided to substitute the goalkeeper, with Mohammed Al-Owais replacing him and completing the remaining minutes of the match. The Saudi national team benefited from a rule change during the match that allows for an additional substitution when a player is suspected of having a serious head injury or concussion. Al-Aqidi's substitution was the sixth for the "Green" during the encounter. The announcement of Al-Aqidi's substitution due to suspected concussion caused concern among Saudi fans, before Donis reassured everyone after the match, confirming the goalkeeper's improved condition and that there was no cause for concern. Al-Aqidi himself was keen to allay fears about his injury, after confirming to the media upon leaving the stadium facility that he was fine, despite appearing with his right arm in a cast and suspended around his neck. The Saudi national team awaits the results of the medical examinations and X-rays to determine Al-Aqidi's readiness to participate in the next match against Oman, after the "Green" began their "Gulf 27" campaign with a 1-0 victory over Kuwait, topping Group A with 3 points.