Saudi Arabia’s al-Shahrani back after serious injury at World Cup

Saudi Arabia defender Yasser al-Shahrani returned to training with his club al-Hilal on Thursday, 133 days after suffering a serious injury during their stunning 2-1 victory over Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar last year.

Al-Shahrani, 30, suffered head, chest and abdomen injuries after a colliding with his own goalkeeper Mohammed al-Owais in the final minutes of the game, which was arguably the biggest shock in World Cup history, with Argentina going on to lift the trophy.

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The left back, who has 70 caps, underwent surgery on his face and pancreas, after being airlifted from Doha to Riyadh.

Al-Hilal published pictures on Twitter of al-Shahrani, who received a warm welcome from his team mates, who set up a guard of honor for him in training, as they prepare to face al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League later on Friday.

Al-Hilal are third in the league, eight points behind leaders al-Ittihad and seven points adrift of Cristiano Ronaldo’s al-Nassr.

Al-Shahrani hopes to be ready to play by the time al-Hilal host Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in the first leg of their AFC Champions League final on April 29.

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