HAMBURG, 19 June 2006 — Saudi Arabia midfielder Mohammad Al-Shalhoub has returned home following the death of his mother on Saturday, team officials said yesterday.
It was not clear when he would return but he appears certain to miss the Group H game with Ukraine in Hamburg today.
Al-Shalhoub, 25, did not appear in Saudi Arabia’s opening 2-2 draw with Tunisia in World Cup Group H.
The Al-Hilal club standout has won 48 caps and scored 15 goals for his country.
Al-Shalhoub’s skills have often saved Saudi Arabia at crucial moments and he is often used as a second-half substitute when the team is struggling.
“Our thoughts are with him. Not only have we been deprived of an excellent player, but also an excellent person. However, we have to think about what we have, rather than what we don’t,” said Saudi national team coach Brazilian Marcos Paqueta.
