Makram Dabboub has made three changes to his squad ahead of Palestine’s FIFA Arab Cup qualifier against Comoros on Tuesday.
The Tunisian had called up a squad of 25 players for two World Cup qualifiers earlier this month against Singapore and Yemen.
That side ran out comfortable winners in both games, dispatching Singapore 4-0 before overcoming a stubborn Yemen side 3-0. Makram Dabboub did a good job rotating his squad with all but three field players seeing action over the two matches.
Palestine set off from the camp in Riyadh to Doha- site of their FIFA Arab Qualifier- on Monday but did so with a squad of 23 as opposed to the original 25.
Mohammed Darweesh who has had a significantly reduced role with the national team has returned to Palestine as he will be getting married later in the week. Sameh Maraaba, another player who had played a big part in the previous cycle, has also withdrawn from the squad after picking up an injury in camp.
The third player not to make the trip to Qatar is Ameed Sawafta, the youngest player in the squad did not feature in either game and it remains a bit of mystery as to why he was called up in the first place. That said, it leaves Palestine a little short handed in the middle of the park with only four true midfielders for three places in Makram Dabboub’s 4-3-3 system.
Palestine’s ranks will be bolstered by a potentially crucial addition. Saleh Chihadeh was not able to join the squad for June’s World Cup qualifiers having played in FC Thun’s promotion playoff against Sion. The Switzerland based striker will be available for this match and could start against Comoros.
Palestine’s 23 man squad is as follows:
