Clasico Countdown: Jesus Pushes for a Fully-Fit Weapon to Beat Al Ittihad

Clash Set for the Clasico as Nasr Eyes Full Strength

Saudi media say Jorge Jesus, the Portuguese coach of Al Nassr, wants to field a Clasico against Al Ittihad on October 28 with a fully-fit squad. The match carries big stakes as the two clubs pursue domestic and cup glory, and Nasr will hope to turn the page after a strong start in domestic competition while Ittihad seeks to defend their Cup crown.

Al Ittihad visit Nasr in the King Cup Round of 16, a knockout contest where there is no room for second best. The winner moves deeper into the competition; the loser can still chase league success, but the Cup adds extra pressure and prestige. Both teams arrive with ambitions: Nasr aiming to reassert dominance at home, and Ittihad looking to protect a trophy-winning season.

According to the Saudi paper Al-Riyadiyah, Jesus has asked the medical staff to fast-track the recovery of Kroatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic so he can be relied upon in the Clasico against Ittihad.

Brozovic suffered a minor adductor issue in the 18th minute of his side’s 5-1 win over Al Fateh and was replaced by Abdullah Khubayr. The injury cast a shadow over his availability for the upcoming big clash.

The midfielder also missed the midweek AFC Champions League group-stage game against the Indian side Goan, with a return viewed as likely but not guaranteed. Nasr hope to have him back in time for the Klaccico, but a cautious approach remains on the table as treatment and rehab continue.

Jesus remains optimistic, saying a quick recovery would allow Brozovic to add real value to Nasr’s midfield in the highly anticipated Clasico.

Originally diagnosed with a mild tear in the adductor, Brozovic has undergone a program of medical care and rehabilitation, with an initial layoff estimate of one to two weeks depending on his response to therapy.

Standout Numbers

Since arriving from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023, Brozovic has delivered notable performances. He has appeared in 93 matches for the club, coming close to a century, while scoring eight goals and laying on twenty assists. His presence provides a balance of defensive solidity and creative flair in Nasr’s midfield.

Brozovic has become a core pillar in Nasr’s setup, establishing himself as a midfield linchpin thanks to his vast experience and ability to dictate the tempo. The move from a European powerhouse injected tactical discipline and smart positioning into Nasr, helping to stabilise both defensive and offensive phases.

Technically, Brozovic is the heartbeat of Nasr’s engine room, building attacks from deep and distributing balls with precision to wide areas or into the center. He reads the game early, helps regain possession, and drives rapid transitions. His willingness to press high and recover the ball gives the coach flexibility to deploy different systems without losing balance.

Off the pitch, he brings leadership and command, guiding teammates as they defend or attack. His influence extends to midfield peers like Joao Felix and Kouman, who enjoy greater freedom thanks to his coverage behind them.

Statistics underline his value, with high passing accuracy and involvement in many goals through incisive through balls. His presence has given Nasr greater stability and a clearer path to impose their style against top opponents, making him a central figure in a project aimed at domestic and continental prominence.

Extraordinary Candidate

Mohammed Noor, a former Union legend, praised Nasr’s level this season and positioned them as the leading title contenders in the league.

Nasr are top of the Roshen Pro League after five rounds with 15 points, having crushed Al Fateh 5-1 and previously beaten the reigning champions Al Ittihad 2-0 in the Clasico of round four.

Noor stated in a TV interview that Nasr’s form makes them the strongest title favourites, adding that the squad is powerful, entertaining, and balanced across all positions, with a fired-up coach guiding the players from the first whistle.

He noted that Nasr’s current technical level could make them unbeatable in the Saudi league this season, even suggesting that Al Hilal may struggle to halt them if they maintain this form. He also warned that cup matches require different tactical approaches and cautioned that league form alone does not guarantee Cup success.

In closing, Noor stressed that his comments focus on league performance, not merely the next Cup fixture, and that if Nasr sustains their level, opposition teams will face a difficult challenge this season.

Punchline 1: If Nasr keep this up, their trophy cabinet might need a larger shelf and a calendar for victory parties. Punchline 2: With Brozovic back in action, the coffee at the training ground might start dishing out assists too—talk about a breakthrough brew mastery.