Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain: Star midfielder Omar Abdulrahman confirmed that the injury he sustained in Al Ain’s 2-1 win over Al Shabab on Wednesday upon the resumption of the league following the UAE’s impressive performance at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup was not serious.
The imperious midfielder, who caught the eye as the UAE finished a highly-creditable third in Australia, was making his first appearance for Al Ain since picking up an ankle injury in the AFC Champions League semi-final second leg (pictured) and raised concern when he was stretchered off on the hour mark.
“I received a few knocks during the game and felt a jarring pain when I chased a ball, but I am feeling fine after some treatment from the medical staff,” he was quoted as saying by the National newspaper.
Prior to his departure Abdulrahman had been in fine form, beginning the move that ended with Lee Myung-joo, who was part of the Korea Republic squad that finished runners-up at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, giving Al Ain a 16th minute lead. Nasser Masood equalised on the stroke of half-time before French striker Jires Kembo-Ekoko sealed the win with a 76th minute penalty.
Inaugural AFC Champions League winners Al Ain will embark on their tenth campaign in Asia’s premier club competition on February 24 when they host Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab in their Group B opener.
Photo: WSG