Saudi Arabia World Cup star Yasser Al Shahrani is to undergo surgery after being knee'd in the face against Argentina.
The defender was stretchered off during the closing stages of the Green Falcons' famous victory on Tuesday morning after colliding with goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais. Al Shahrani is understood to have been knocked unconscious as a result of the incident, with Al Owais visibly distressed as he laid motionless on the floor.
An official team statement has now confirmed that he will undergo surgery on injuries he suffered in the collision, despite giving a thumbs up to fans as he was stretchered off.
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The statement reads: "Yasser Al-Shahrani left Hamad Medical Center in Doha heading to Riyadh's National Guard Hospital earlier this morning following the head injury sustained during yesterday's 2-1 victory over Argentina.
"The 30-year-old will now undergo surgery in the next few hours as per the medical staff's recovery plan. We all wish Yasser a full and speedy recovery."
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Gulf Today also report X-rays conducted once the Al-Hilal defender arrived at hospital showed that he had fractured his jaw and other bones in his face. It is also being reported that he required emergency medical treatment to stop internal bleeding.
Since making his debut in 2012, the left-back has won 72 caps for his country, including his appearance against Argentina, and played in all three matches at the previous World Cup.
His head injuries will mean that he will play no further part in this tournament, though, as Saudi Arabia bid to reach the knockout stages for just the second time.
Thanks to their shock win in their opening match, Herve Renard's side can book a place in the round of 16 in Saturday when they take on Poland.
Progressing from the group stage would equal the country's best ever performance at a World Cup finals, which came on their competition debut in the USA 28 years ago.
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