Jalal Hassan, goalkeeper of the Iraqi national team and Al-Zawraa club, surprised everyone despite his recent injury and absence from the ranks of the Al-Nawaris in the current season of the Iraqi Stars League.

Hassan suffered a first-degree tear in the anterior thigh ligaments during his team's match against Al-Gharafa in the tenth round of the Iraqi league.

Special sources stated: "After sustaining the injury, the Iraqi national team goalkeeper underwent further intensive medical examinations to assess the extent of the injury and its impact on his status with the team. The medical staff confirmed that Jalal needs a rest period ranging from 10 days to two weeks, followed by new medical tests and diagnosis to determine his readiness."

They added: "Despite the very short time since his injury, the goalkeeper returned to the field to train individually, surprising everyone, especially since the medical staff expected him to take this step after a longer period, not so soon. Hassan showed great enthusiasm in individual training and informed the coaching staff that he would be ready soon."

The sources clarified: "The goalkeeper has covered about half the journey to recovery, and it seems he will join his team’s roster after two rounds, which delighted the coaching staff of Al-Nawaris led by the Egyptian Emad Al-Nahhas. He is a key player who cannot be replaced, despite the efforts of the reserve goalkeeper Hussein Hassan and his full readiness to protect the Al-Nawaris goal during Jalal Hassan’s absence."

They added: "Certainly, this news also pleased Graham Arnold, coach of the Iraqi national team, who relies heavily on Jalal Hassan’s experience in the upcoming global playoff match qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Jalal is expected to be at the top of Iraq’s list, especially since he is the team captain and has always been able to unify the ranks in previous matches."