Al Huleili Joins Kuwait Squad as Injury Replacement for October Friendlies

Al-Huleili Replaces Injured Dashti for October Friendlies The Kuwait national team will move forward in their October international fixtures with Jarah Al-Huleili, after Salmiya midfielder Mahdi Dashti sustained an injury during training earlier this week. Portuguese head coach Helio Souza has called up the Kazma SC midfielder as a late replacement, ensuring the midfield remains balanced ahead of critical preparations. Al-Huleili, known for his previous appearances with Kuwait’s Olympic (U-23) team, joins the senior squad as they gear up for their upcoming friendly against Uzbekistan on October 9 in Tashkent. The match comes as part of the international break, providing the coaching staff with a valuable opportunity to assess player readiness and tactical cohesion. In a strategic shift, Souza and his staff opted to cancel the team’s early departure to Dubai for a training camp. Instead, the players will undergo daily training sessions in Kuwait, a move designed to foster focus and team chemistry. The decision coincides with the arrival of Qadsia SC players, who recently concluded their Gulf Champions League campaign against Iraq’s Zakho, allowing for a full squad in training. The upcoming clash with Uzbekistan will serve as the first major test for Souza since the 2-2 draw against Syria in a closed-door encounter last September. It symbolizes the beginning of a crucial phase in Kuwait’s lead-up to competitive action. Following their Uzbekistan trip, the team will head straight to Dubai for a short camp, culminating in a second friendly versus Morocco’s locally based national team on October 14. These matches are part of the groundwork ahead of Kuwait’s pivotal Arab Cup qualifier against Mauritania, scheduled for November 14 in Doha, Qatar. These preparations are seen as essential by the team’s management, who are focused on crafting a disciplined and cohesive unit for the tourney. Al-Huleili’s return is expected to inject both experience and versatility into the midfield setup as Kuwait readies for the months ahead. Team V.DIR-EM-UAE