RIYADH: Saudi footballers continued their preparations for the 2023 Asian Cup with two training sessions on Tuesday.
Team coach Roberto Mancini led both morning and evening sessions and focused the team on various technical and conditioning routines.
Ali Hazazi and Khaled Al-Ghanam were released from the squad after the final list of players were finalized by Mancini.
The competition, which was postponed to 2024, is set to start on Jan. 12 in Qatar and will see the Green Falcons face Thailand, Kyrgyzstan and Oman in Group F.
But ahead of that, the Saudi team will face Lebanon in a friendly on Thursday at Al-Gharafa Club’s stadium at 4:30PM local time.
They will have an evening training session on Wednesday at Sealine Resort’s stadium.
Saudi footballers ready for Asian Cup at Qatar training camp
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Saudi footballers ready for Asian Cup at Qatar training camp
Karim Benzema joins Al-Hilal
RIYADH: Karim Benzema has joined Al-Hilal after leaving Al-Ittihad, the Riyadh club announced early Tuesday.
The former French international was introduced with a post on social media, “Karim Benzema is officially Hilali.”
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who scored eight goals in 14 league matches this season, joined on a free transfer, his new club added.
Though this chapter comes to an end “respect and gratitude will always remain,” the Frenchman said.
“Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and especially the fans for the welcome, the love, and the energy you gave me every day,” Benzema wrote on social media.
“This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared.”
Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after 14 seasons with Real Madrid. Last season he scored 21 goals as Al-Ittihad won the league.
This season Al-Ittihad trail leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points.
— with input from Reuters
