Al-shahrani undergoes successful surgery

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia defender Yasser Al-shahrani (pic) underwent successful surgery on his pancreas after a collision during his team’s shock win over Argentina, the national team said.

Medical examinations conducted in Doha revealed Al-shahrani to be in a “stable condition” after “suffering a strong clash in the head, chest and abdomen”, said a statement posted on the team’s Twitter account on Wednesday.

He was then “transferred by medical evacuation to the National Guard Hospital in Riyadh” for the operation.

A follow-up statement on Wednesday night said the operation had been completed “with success”.

Al-shahrani collided with Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-owais in stoppage time at the end of the match against Argentina, which ended in an upset 2-1 victory for the Green Falcons.

Al-owais’s left knee connected squarely with Al-shahrani’s face.

“I would like to ensure you that I am OK, pray for me and congratulations on winning,” Al-shahrani said in a video clip from his hospital bed posted on social media.

Saudi Arabia were propelled to victory by a stunning goal from Salem Al-dawsari, bringing Argentina’s 36-match unbeaten run to a shuddering halt.

The Saudis’ next match is against Poland tomorrow.—