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Tunisia striker Ben Youssef to deputise Mathlouthi in goal against Panama

Tunisia will have striker Fakhreddine Ben Youssef as understudy to goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi in Thursday’s closing Group G match against Panama

Following tournament-ending injuries to first and second choice goalkeepers Mouez Hassen and Farouk Ben Mustapha, veteran Mathlouthi has been left as the only fit goalie.

Tunisia have selected Ben Youssef as Mathlouthi's deputy after Fifa declined their request for special authorisation to allow standby goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia to join their camp, with the Esperance man having already arrived in Russia on Wednesday.

Fifa rules forbids teams to replace players midway through the tournament.

Technically, Tunisia need two goalkeepers on the match sheet and Ben Mustapha's name will appear on it, although will not be fit to play, with forward Ben Youssef of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq in effect acting as the reserve goalkeeper.