Brisbane, Jan 9 (IANS): Saudi Arabia's top player Nassir Al Shamrani may not start due to an old injury for the first game against China at the Asian Cup football Saturday.
Saudi Arabia head coach Cosmin Olaroiu said Shamrani, reigning AFC Player of the Year, aggravated his old injury in their 0-2 warm-up defeat to South Korea Jan 4 and may not be fit enough to play against China, reports Xinhua.
"He had some problems against Korea. It's something he had before. Our medical staff have tried to improve him but we will see. We still have time," said Olaroiu.
Saudi's captain Saud Kariri believes they can cope without Shamrani for their opener in Group B.