Victor Lekhel

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 13: Al-Qadsia’s Algerian professional, Victor Lekhel, will rejoin training this evening after returning from Doha, Qatar, where he represented Algeria in the Arab Cup. Algeria was eliminated in the quarterfinals after a 6-7 penalty shootout loss to the UAE (1-1).

The domestic league has been on hold since November due to preparations for Kuwait’s national team in the Arab Cup.

Al-Qadsia is gearing up to face Al-Arabi next Wednesday in the ninth round of the Zain Premier League at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium. The team currently sits second with 14 points, level on goal difference with third-placed Al-Arabi, while Kuwait Club leads with 19 points. Both Al-Qadsia and Al-Arabi have one postponed match each.

The medical staff is working to get Khaled Sabah, Khaled Ibrahim, and Jassim Al-Mutair match-ready. Ibrahim missed the Arab Cup due to a muscle injury, Sabah was sidelined during the tournament, and Al-Mutair is recovering from a muscle injury sustained with the Olympic team in the Under-23 Gulf Championship currently in Qatar.

Al-Qadsia continues daily training after canceling a short camp in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, which was to include a friendly against Neom Club last week, due to a shortage of available players.

Al-Arab’s Khaled Al-Murshid has rejoined training and is ready for the upcoming derby. Sami Al-Awadhi and Ezi Nasari also trained, though their chances of featuring in the derby remain limited.

Meanwhile, Hussein Ashkanani and Bandar Al-Salama continue their rehabilitation programs and will need additional time before returning to full training.

Al-Arabi’s last friendly saw it defeat Al-Salmiya 3-2, marking their final preparation ahead of the derby clash.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff