Al-Arabi player works out .

KUWAIT CITY, July 27: Al-Arabi is scheduled to play two friendly matches against UAE sides Hatta and Baniyas on July 31 and August 6, respectively, as part of its training camp in Abu Dhabi, which runs until August 8.

The club is ramping up preparations for a crucial AFC Challenge Cup playoff match against Maldives’ Maziya Sports on August 12. The game, which will determine a spot in the group stage, is set to take place at the Maldives National Football Stadium at 3:00 p.m. local time.

Meanwhile, reports from Iraqi media suggest that Baghdad-based powerhouse Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (Air Force Club) has shown serious interest in signing Al-Arabi and Kuwait national team player Bandar Al-Salamah. An initial inquiry has been made, and the club has reportedly set a condition for preliminary approval before engaging in formal negotiations. If the deal materializes, Al-Salamah would become the first Kuwaiti footballer in the history of the Iraqi Premier League.

Currently, Al-Salamah is absent from Al-Arabi’s training camp as he continues a rehabilitation and treatment program in Dubai following a successful knee-cleaning procedure and protective support installation performed earlier this month in Kuwait.

If the transfer goes through, Al-Salamah will be the second player to leave Al-Arabi this season, after defender Hassan Hamdan joined Jordanian club Al-Ahli earlier in July.

Al-Arabi’s Portuguese head coach Marco Alves has intensified training in anticipation of the Maziya match. Players recently completed morning workouts at the camp’s fitness center, followed by evening sessions on the field.

Kuwait Club continues its daily training under Montenegrin coach Nebojsa Jovovic in preparation for the 2024-25 Zain Premier League season, which kicks off on September 12. The team will soon depart for a 20-day training camp in Prague, Czech Republic, which will include four friendly matches.

In the domestic transfer market, Qadsia and Kuwait national team defender Yousef Al-Haqqan is reportedly close to joining Salmiya for the upcoming season. Salmiya's training sessions have already seen the arrival of new Jordanian signing Hossam Abu Dhahab.

In a related development, former Salmiya head coach Ante Miša bid farewell to players before the start of a recent training session.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff