Al Ain’s AFC Champions League stars have made a welcome return to boost the UAE ranks for today’s friendly with Lithuania.
Five Boss players missed last Wednesday’s laboured 0-0 draw with Norway because of their exertions securing progression to the semi-finals of Asia’s elite club competition against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad.
Key men Khalid Essa, Mohammed Ahmed, Mohanad Salem, Ismail Ahmed and Omar Abdulrahman have now all joined up with their team-mates midway through the three-week European training camp.
They are available for the second of a trio of international fixtures, as the Whites gear up for November’s Gulf Cup defence in Saudi Arabia and January’s trip to Australia for the Asian Cup.
Coach Mahdi Ali has no new injuries to report for the match at Sportplatz Matrei Stadium in Linz, Austria (kick-off: 20:30).
The starting side is expected to be much changed, with the Al Ain call-ups filtering back in and new options being explored ahead of the final friendly against Paraguay on September 9.
Lithuania, 38 places below UAE at 103 in the latest FIFA rankings, are preparing for their opening Euro 2016 qualifier against San Marino on September 8.