Tabata shines amid injury worries

Al Rayyan’s attacking midfielder Rodrigo Tabata looked fit and fine in the match against Jaish after a muscle pull had almost sidelined him.

The talismanic captain, who suffered a minor muscle strain during the national team training last week, not only orchestrated the proceedings in the midfield, but also scored from a free-kick.

“Tabata had trained before the match. I also got a fitness report from the national team coaches. He was perfect. He’ll be available for our next games,” said Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup. “He’s 36, but still gives his best. In his position, we don’t have anyone with the same quality.”