ABU DHABI // Malek Maaz will be available for Saudi Arabia when they take on the United Arab Emirates in tonight's World Cup qualifier. The 27-year-old striker missed Saturday's 1-1 draw with Iran in Riyadh due to an infection in his knee but has been passed fit to join Nasser Al Johar's squad for the clash with the Emirates.
The UAE need a win after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of North Korea at the weekend and Saudi captain Hussain Sulaimani stressed the Bruno Metsu-coached side cannot be written off because of one result. "The game will be hard for both sides following their results in the first match," said Sulaimani, who is aiming for a fourth World Cup appearance. "The game will be very important for both teams because they must win if they want to get back on track.
"The UAE's defeat doesn't mean that they are a bad side but each match has certain circumstances and the defeat in the first match could motivate their players to get a win. "We have similar circumstances as we lost two points at home against Iran and we had a good match before conceding a late equaliser. Therefore, we are here for to get a win in order to make a good comeback." Although they are buoyed by the return of Maaz, the Saudis will be without defender Redha Tukar, who is suspended.
Abdulmalek Al Khaibri is ruled out after injuring his ankle in training while a similar injury has put paid to Osama al Harbi's hopes as well. Metsu, meanwhile, welcomes back midfielders Subait Khater and Hilal Saeed, who have shaken off muscle strains, but Abdulraheem Juma is doubtful after failing to recover from a knee injury suffered in the loss to the North Koreans. Goalkeeper Majed Nasser will also return to the team after missing Saturday's loss through suspension.
"The match against Saudi Arabia will not be easy," said the French coach. "There is a short period between the North Korea match and the game and it will not help us much to make big changes in the team. "Despite the first defeat, we still have a chance and we will not give up. We will try to lift the morale of the players and I hope that they can get over the defeat against Korea. We must forget the defeat in the first match and concentrate only on the match against Saudi Arabia. If we want to get back on track we must win and we must fight to get a victory."
apassela@thenational.ae
