Injury worry for UAE ahead of Socceroo clash
Saturday, 24 January 2015 -
Josh Bennett


The United Arab Emirates have held a low-key training session in Newcastle ahead of Tuesday night’s Asian Cup semi-final with the Socceroos - and they have a key injury concern.
In worrying news for the Emiratis, superstar Omar Abdulrahman was seen limping on his arrival at the training ground and appeared stiff following a mammoth effort against Japan in Friday's night's quarter-final win.
Considered an Asian Cup dark horse, UAE are now just one win away from the final after a remarkable penalty shoot-out win over Japan.
And for the small number of spectators who turned up at Wanderers Oval, it was clear to see that "Al Abyad" (The Whites) are not content with just a semi-final appearance.
The entire UAE squad converged collectively in a team huddle at the beginning of their training session, with coach Mahdi Ali addressing the players for almost 20 minutes.

The majority of players involved in the gruelling match against Japan sat out the session, with seven of the non-playing members undertaking ball-work and agility drills.
Ali kept a watchful eye over the entire session, ensuring his fringe players were kept on their toes ahead of the do or die clash.
UAE’s two reserve goalkeepers Khalid Eisa and Mohamed Al Hosani were put through a rigorous session, focusing on reflex stops and repeat efforts.
The Emiratis are scheduled to train again on Sunday.