Graham Arnold drops Bassam Shakir and calls up Hasan Abdulkareem

Iraq national team coach Graham Arnold has called up Al Zawraa star Hasan Abdulkareem "Quqia" for the Gulf Cup "Gulf 27" in Saudi Arabia, replacing player Bassam Shakir.

Bassam Shakir has been excluded from the squad due to an injury he recently suffered, as the player underwent medical examinations that confirmed he is suffering from fatigue and physical discomfort that prevents him from participating in the Al Khaleej tournament, forcing the coaching staff to make an emergency change at the last moment.

Some other sources have revealed that the player has problems with his passport that prevent him from traveling to Saudi Arabia, which contributed to the decision to exclude him from the delegation leaving for Jeddah next Sunday.

The call-up for Quqia is a well-deserved reward for a player who has been outstanding for Al Zawraa this season, having scored two goals and provided two assists in just five appearances with the team in the Iraqi Premier League. He has been one of the standout stars of the team and is a significant fan demand to be included with the Lions of Mesopotamia for Gulf Cup 27.

Coughia has been one of the names fans and analysts have been calling for, especially after his impressive performances, leading to Arnold's decision to give the player a new opportunity to prove himself in the national team's shirt at the Gulf tournament.