UAE Calls Up Al-Nassr's Gustavo for Arab Cup Campaign

UAE's national football team has called up Al-Nassr player Gustavo Alex for their upcoming Arab Cup campaign. The Romanian coach Oláriu Cosmin selected the player to join a 23-man squad preparing for the tournament in Doha from December 1-18.

The team starts their training camp in Dubai this Wednesday before flying to Qatar next Friday. It's a tight schedule that gives the squad just a few days to gel before their opening match.

UAE will face Jordan in their first group stage match on December 3. This matchup could set the tone for their entire tournament run, especially with Jordan being a competitive side in regional football.

The Arab Cup serves as an important tournament for Middle Eastern teams to test their squads and build momentum. For UAE, it's a chance to evaluate players like Gustavo Alex in a competitive international setting before bigger tournaments down the line.

Cosmin's squad selection shows he's looking to blend experience with fresh talent. Adding a player from Al-Nassr, one of Saudi Arabia's top clubs, suggests the coach is casting a wide net to find the right combination for his team.