Kuwait steps up preparations for Honduras friendly amid minor injuries

Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi receives instructions from the assistant coach.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 15: Kuwait will hold its final training session on Monday before taking on Honduras in an international friendly on Tuesday at Al-Sadaqa Wal-Salam Stadium.

The Blues resumed training yesterday under Portuguese coach Hélio Sousa after being given a break from Saturday evening's session. The players had completed only a morning gym workout following their convincing 3-0 victory over Syria in Friday's friendly.

Before the session, Sousa and the administrative team, led by Mohammed Binyan, met with the players and urged them to deliver a stronger performance, maintain their concentration, and adhere to the tactical instructions in pursuit of another positive result.

Both the technical and administrative staff and the players are targeting victory over Honduras to improve Kuwait's position in the FIFA rankings. The success against Syria has already earned the Blues valuable ranking points.

Meanwhile, Dr Abdulmajeed Al-Bannai, head of the Kuwait Football Association's medical department and a sports injury and physiotherapy specialist, examined several players who picked up knocks during the Syria encounter. Some players had been forced to leave the field before the final whistle due to injuries.

Shabib Al-Khaldi, who was substituted after sustaining an injury, was found to have a minor bruise and is expected to be available for tomorrow's match. Abdullah Al-Saeedi, however, will miss the encounter due to a foot injury.

The participation of Mohammed Al-Huwaidi and Dhari Al-Otaibi remains uncertain, as both players are still undergoing rehabilitation and fitness preparations.

In the meantime, the Honduras delegation arrived yesterday and held its first training session. The visitors are scheduled to train today at Al-Sadaqa Wal-Salam Stadium.

Honduras traveled to Kuwait from Abu Dhabi, where it faced the UAE on Friday and suffered a 3-1 defeat.

Separately, the Kuwait Football Association began selling tickets for the friendly, urging fans to turn out and rally behind the Blues.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff