Abu Dhabi: For the first time in many years, the UAE senior national football team will miss the services of their ace player Esmail Mattar when they take part in the Ghana Friendly International Football Tournament later this month.

The team, announced by head coach Bruno Metsu, will miss the services of captain Abdul Rahim Jumaa, Mattar, Saif Mohammad and Majid Nasir - the first-choice custodian - through injuries.

Defender Hayder Allo Ali striker Saeed Al Kass will not accompany the team owing to family obligations.

Metsu has invited debutants Moussa Hattab, Eissa Ahmad and Mahmoud Khamis to the squad. Moreover, Subait Khater, Faisal Khamis, Salem Sa'ad and Ali Al Waheebi are all set to be back in the side.