The UAE have ramped up preparations for Tuesday's crunch World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia, with Sunday's training session closed to the media.
Mahdi Ali's side arrived in Jeddah earlier in the afternoon, where two days later they will take on Saudi Arabia at the King Abdullah Sports City in their fourth Group B assignment. The UAE sit third in the standings of this third and final qualification stage, after Thursday's 3-1 victory against Thailand in Abu Dhabi, which followed last month's opening win against Japan and defeat to Australia.
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With the top two teams guaranteed a place at Russia 2018 and third place in the group to then play a series of play-offs to reach the global finals, this week’s clash in Jeddah is viewed as crucial to the UAE’s hopes. The country has participated at a World Cup only once before, in 1990.
Mahdi Ali’s determination to limit distractions is therefore understandable. The UAE manager requested the Saudi Football Federation ensure there were no media awaiting the team when they arrived in Jeddah. The penultimate training session, at the King Abdullah Sports City, was to also take place away from prying eyes.
It has been reported that Mahdi Ali has yet more injury concerns in the right-back position, with Mohammed Fawzi said to be unavailable. The Al Jazira defender played against Thailand last week, setting up the opening goal for club teammate Ali Mabkhout, however he was substituted with seven minutes remaining.
The UAE are already without first-choice Mohammed Ahmed, so Abdulaziz Haikal is expected to start against the Saudis. Haikal's Al Ahli teammate, Walid Abbas, could be fit to feature at left-back having sat out the Thailand match.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Khalil should return to the first XI after missing much of last week’s training. The current Asian player of the year came off the bench for the final 15 minutes on Thursday, scoring the UAE’s third goal – also his third goal of this qualification round.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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