- 05
- June
- 2025
Lebanon’s star forward, Karim Darwich, has been ruled out of the crucial upcoming match against Yemen, scheduled for June 10 in Kuwait. A huge blow for coach Radulović, whose attacking lineup is falling apart just days before a key match in the race to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Barely arrived in Kuwait, Karim Darwich was forced to throw in the towel. The Duhok striker, a regular starter this season in the Iraqi league and the Gulf Champions League, picked up an injury during the Lebanese national team’s first training session in Salmiya.
He suffered a muscle lesion in his right thigh, diagnosed via MRI as a Grade 1 tear. According to the team’s physiotherapist, Elie Metni, the 25-year-old will need three weeks of rest. It’s the end of the dream for Darwich, who was hoping to help fill the gaps left by the already known absences of Hussein Chakroun (Hannover) and Omar Chaaban (AFC Wimbledon), both also sidelined.
Offensive Headache for Radulović
It’s a full-blown tactical dilemma for Miodrag Radulović. Already without his main options on the wings and at center forward, the Montenegrin coach loses a valuable utility player who could cover any attacking position. Often used as a false nine, Darwich was a key alternative in a system constantly being adjusted.
His absence reshuffles the deck ahead of the June 10 showdown at 8:30 PM (Beirut time), at Jaber al-Ahmad Stadium in Kuwait City. The match is critical, as it is part of the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, where only the top team in each group earns a spot in Saudi Arabia.
Top Spot to Defend
Lebanon enters this top-of-the-table clash with three points, secured through a dominant 5-0 win over Brunei in Doha. In the other group match, Yemen and Bhutan drew 0-0 in Thimphu, giving Lebanon a two-point lead at the top of Group B.
A win against Yemen would put Lebanon in an ideal position moving forward, but now they must deal with a decimated attack, and the young players will have to rise to the occasion.
Attack in Pieces, but Hope Remains
With injuries piling up and a gritty opponent ahead, Lebanon faces a high-stakes match in Kuwait City. But in this unpredictable group, the Cedars know their fate is in their own hands. It’s up to them to write the next chapter of the story — without Darwich, but with heart.
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