The Saudi Arabian team paid tribute to their left-back Yasser Al-Shahrani, who suffered a horrific injury during the historic win 2-1 over Argentina. The Green Falcons held up his No 13 shirt before their FIFA World Cup 2022 match against Poland – just days after he underwent emergency facial surgery.
Al-Shahrani was sent back home after his sickening collision with his teammate and goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais towards the end of the match against Argentina earlier this week. Al-Shahrani went straight to the ground after colliding with Al-Owais in stoppage time and was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
The defender suffered a fractured jaw, broken facial bones and internal bleeding. Saudi Arabian Football Association announced that Al-Shahrani would be "heading to the National Guard Hospital in Riyadh and will undergo surgery in the coming few hours as per the medical staff's recovery plan."
In a short video shared by the Saudi Arabian FA, Al Shahrani thanked King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed and the Minister of the National Guards Abdullah Bin Bandar “for his attention and care since the day I arrived and until now.”
He further thanked the team's medical team staff and the sports ministry for constant support ever since he left the field against Argentina. He also expressed gratitude towards the Saudi fans who have been extremely supportive.
Al-Shahrani said, “I'd like to offer a big thank you to the medical team in the hospital for all they offered and helped me with. I'd like to also thank the Minister of Sports ― for his care and support ― his efforts never fell short, since I was injured on the field and until now. And I'd like to thank the entire Saudi population for their support and prayers. We hope to make them happier through bigger achievements.”