The Saudi Football Association said that defender Yasser Al-Shahrani will undergo surgery in the coming hours, after suffering a facial injury, during the victory over Argentina in the World Cup on Tuesday.
Al-Shahrani fell to the ground after interfering with goalkeeper Muhammad Al-Owais, and left the stadium on a stretcher in stoppage time.
The Saudi Federation added - through its accounts on the communication sites - that Al-Shahrani was transferred by medical evacuation from Hamad Medical City in Doha to the National Guard Hospital in Riyadh, and indicated that the defender "will undergo surgery in the coming hours, according to the treatment plan."
"Yasser Al-Shahrani" arrives in Riyadh 📝⬇ pic.twitter.com/NEhDthdnfB
– The Saudi national team (@SaudiNT) November 23, 2022
Al-Shahrani had reassured the fans of his condition, and said in a video clip on social media - on Tuesday evening - "I would like to assure you that I am fine, my affairs are good, congratulations on winning, and your prayers for me."
He added, "Congratulations on winning to Saudi Arabia, leaders and people. You deserve it, and may God make it easy for them in the coming days."
Al-Shahrani suffered a severe injury, after colliding with fellow goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais in a joint ball in the last minutes of the match, as a result of which he was forced to leave the stadium.
Examinations showed that he had a broken jaw and left facial bones.