Kuwait’s Al-Huleili takes guidance from the official.

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 2: Kuwait national team coach, Portuguese Helio Souza, has summoned Kazma midfielder Jarah Al-Huleili to replace Salmiya’s Mahdi Dashti, who was sidelined due to injury during training earlier this week.

Al-Huleili, who has previously represented Kuwait at the Olympic (U-23) level, joins the squad as preparations continue for an upcoming friendly against Uzbekistan on October 9 in Tashkent during the international break.

The coaching staff decided to cancel the team’s planned early departure to Dubai for a training camp, opting instead for daily sessions in Kuwait. This approach allows players more time to focus and build cohesion, especially after the squad was completed with Qadsia players who had finished their Gulf Champions League commitments against Iraq’s Zakho.

The friendly against Uzbekistan marks Kuwait’s first practical test under Souza since a 2-2 draw with Syria in a closed-door match last September.

Following the Uzbekistan match, the team will travel directly to Dubai for a short camp, which will include a second friendly against Morocco’s local team on October 14. These preparations are crucial as the squad gears up for its official Arab Cup qualifier against Mauritania on November 14 in Doha, Qatar.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff