Injured Hussein Ashkanani

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 6: Al-Arabi may part ways with Frenchman Hassimi Fadiga and Belgian Julien Ngoy after underwhelming performances since their arrivals last month. Coach Marco Alves has suggested seeking replacements ahead of the new season.

If the duo leaves, they will join Ugandan Kenneth Simakola as foreign players to exit before the campaign begins. Al-Arabi has already signed Moroccan defender Nabil Marmouk and retains Nigerians Anayo Iwuala and Christopher John.

Potential replacements include Bahraini Kamil Al-Aswad, a key player last season, and Nigerian Kingsley Edu, who previously played for Al-Arabi two seasons ago.

The situation is further complicated by midfielder Hussein Ashkanani’s injury, which could be an ACL tear, sidelining him long-term. This may influence decisions on keeping Simakola if Al-Aswad does not return.

Al-Arabi will play its final pre-season friendly this evening against Tadhamon, ahead of its Zain Premier League opener against Shabab on September 13.