Saudi player returns home after mother's death

HAMBURG, June 18 (Reuters) Saudi Arabia midfielder Mohammad Al Shalhoub has gone home following the death of his mother on Saturday, team officials said today.

It was not clear when he would return but he appears certain to miss the Group H game with Ukraine in Hamburg tomorrow.

Al Shalhoub, 25, did not appear in Saudi Arabia's opening 2-2 draw with Tunisia in World Cup Group H.

He has won 48 caps and scored 15 goals for his country.

REUTERS AY KN1830