Sheffield Wednesday dealt fresh injury concern as striker pulls out of international duty
Sheffield Wednesday loanee Ali Al-Hamadi was poised to represent Iraq at the Gulf Cup during this current international break.
Sheffield Wednesday striker Ali Al-Hamadi has been forced to withdraw from the Iraq squad ahead of the start of their Gulf Cup campaign because of an ankle injury.
The striker, who joined the Owls on a season-long loan from Ipswich Town last month, linked up with his international teammates in Saudi Arabia despite missing Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Stockport County at Hillsborough on Saturday because of a foot problem.
Owls boss Henrik Pedersen played down fears that his foot injury could prevent him from going away on international duty, admitting that he was hopeful Al-Hamadi would be able to play for his country and help them try to secure their fifth Gulf Cup crown.
However, after taking part in training on Monday, the Wednesday loanee was forced to withdraw from the squad. He has been replaced by 21-year-old Mustafa Qabeel.
An update issued by the Iraq Football Association on Tuesday said: “Al-Hamadi leaves the list of the national team due to injury, and there is a replacement for him.
“National team player Ali Al-Hamadi suffered an injury in his right ankle during the training session conducted by the national team yesterday.”
On Qabeel being called upon to replace Al-Hamadi, the update continued: “A worthy selection to join the ranks of the national team has come after consideration and consultation between the technical equipment of the national and Olympic teams.
“The player is in the ranks of the Olympic team and his camp is currently in Serbia. Qabeel is scheduled to join the delegation of the national team tomorrow, coming from Serbia to Jeddah.”
Iraq will get their Gulf Cup campaign underway on Wednesday when they take on Oman. They have been joined in Group A by hosts Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Al-Hamadi has made four substitute appearances since joining Wednesday but is yet to score.