Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard will be forced into a midfield change for Wednesday's World Cup 2022 Group C clash with Mexico at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

Abdulelah Al-Malki endured a nightmarish day against Poland, as his mistake led to Robert Lewandowski's goal in that 2-0 loss, and he also picked up his second yellow card of the competition.

Al-Malki is therefore set to serve a suspension for Wednesday's game, where Saudi Arabia need to win to assure themselves of a place in the last 16 for only the second time.

Renard could welcome another midfield man in Riyad Sharahili back from injury at an ideal time, but the 29-year-old may only be considered for the bench after only just returning to team training.

Ali Al-Hassan is seemingly the first-choice replacement in that case, with Mohamed Kanno set to occupy a deeper role in the absence of Al-Malki.

The rest of the final third should remain largely unchanged for Saudi Arabia, as Salem Al-Dawsari seeks a third World Cup goal, which would draw him level with Sami Al Jaber as Saudi Arabia's record scorer at the competition.

Following his heroic showing against Argentina, Hassan Tambakti was dropped to the bench for the clash with Poland, but the 23-year-old could now force his way back into the side.

However, Mohammed Al-Burayk is a fresh doubt due to injury, so right-back Sultan Al-Ghannam should deputise on that side this week.

Saudi Arabia possible starting lineup: Alowais; Abdulhamid, Al-Amri, Tambakti, Al-Ghannam; Kanno; Al-Buraikan, Al-Hassan, Al-Najei, Al-Dawsari; Al-Shehri

> Click here to see how Mexico could line up for this match

Written by
Ben Knapton