The collision was impressive and the consequences of the shock are just as impressive. Saudi defender Yasser Al-Shahrani has asked for ‘prayers’ after undergoing pancreas surgery at Riyadh hospital. The Al-Hilal player took the full brunt of his goalkeeper’s knees against Argentina on Tuesday. He suffered a concussion and fractured his jaw and suffered internal damage to his chest and abdomen as well as internal bleeding, according to Tyc Sports.
Airlifted to Germany on the orders of Mohamed bin Salman, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, he will not return to the training camp of the team that beat Argentina, achieving one of the Cup’s greatest feats of the world. “I want to reassure you about my state of health, I’m better. Don’t forget to pray for me. Congratulations on the victory. Thank you,” Al-Shahrani wrote on social media after his federation confirmed the success of his operation.
Tuesday, the defender made a heroic performance before collapsing. He was taken care of by the medical staff and remained lying for long minutes on the ground before being evacuated on a stretcher with two thumbs up, to indicate that he was conscious.
To celebrate its heroes, Saudi Arabia declared a public holiday the day after the victory.