Saudi Arabia's hopes of departing the World Cup in style by beating Ireland received a double blow today when both skipper Sami Al-Jaber and leading striker Obeid Al-Dossary were ruled out of Tuesday's clash.
The 29-year-old Al-Jaber, who was due to retire after the World Cup, had to undergo an appendix operation here while Al-Dossary has to undergo an operation on ligaments in his left knee which he injured in the first-half of the 1-0 defeat by Cameroon on Thursday.
"Al-Jaber underwent an appendix operation today in Tokyo and it is certain he will not take part in the match with Ireland because he needs to recuperate," the head of the Saudi squad Prince Turkiy bin Khaled told AFP.
"Al-Dossary needs an operation on his left knee ligaments and obviously is not fit to play against the Irish.
"Al-Dossary will be out for several months," he added.