Discipline over drama: Jesus trims Al Nassr’s foreign duo as they brace for Al Fateh

Key lineup decisions before the Al Fateh clash

Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, the architect behind Al Nassr’s recent gains, has trimmed the squad ahead of the weekend’s fifth round of the Saudi Pro League, played at Mrsool Park. The move sees two foreign players left out of the matchday roster as the club bids to balance form, fitness, and the foreign-player quota across a packed schedule.

According to the Saudi newspaper Al-Yawm, the decision included omitting Brazilian goalkeeper Bento Matheus from the official squad, with the experienced Nawaf Al-Aqidi stepping back in after a spell on the sidelines due to injury.

In addition, the Brazilian forward Wesley Gasofa was left out after a noticeable weight gain during the recent break, a factor the coaching staff judged could hinder his conditioning and readiness for competitive action.

Jesus, who has vast coaching experience in Europe and Asia, appears intent on managing a constrained squad with surgical precision during a period when multiple competitions demand attention from the squad and staff alike.

Earlier in the campaign, Matheus Bento had been left out during the first three rounds, with Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Raghid Najjar preferred to guard the goal, as the club sought to optimize the use of foreign-player slots without breaching the eight-foreign-player limit.

Matheus Bento did return in the fourth round against Al Ittihad, delivering a solid performance as Al Nassr sealed a 2-0 victory and extended their winning run, moving them to the top of the table.

Return of Al-Aqidi and Gasofa’s fitness plan

Najaf’s comeback between the posts marks a clear return to stability for the team. Nawaf Al-Aqidi has been back after several weeks out with injury and featured in the season opener against Al Taawoun before missing subsequent fixtures. His recent involvement with the Saudi national team, including friendlies and qualifiers against Indonesia and Iraq for the 2026 World Cup, has helped him regain match sharpness and earned praise from critics and fans alike.

To aid Gasofa’s regain of form, Jesus has put in place a tailored conditioning program designed to restore fitness and discipline. The plan features morning and evening sessions, plus close monitoring of weight and exertion, with the message that every member of the squad must be ready to contribute as fixtures pile up.

Gasofa, who joined from Corinthians in summer 2024, has yet to consistently hit the expected level, managing just one goal in 24 appearances prior to this season. He did, however, rediscover his scoring touch in the AFC Champions League, netting in a recent group-stage win over Istiklol Tajikistan and helping the team to a 3-0 victory.

Intense preparations to retain the lead

On the broader horizon, Al Nassr closed their preparations for the Al Fateh game with focus and discipline, aiming to protect their lead at the top of the table and to keep the winning run going amid a heavy schedule that includes continental commitments.

The club sit on 12 points from four matches, following a valuable 2-0 win over Al Ittihad in the so-called “Round Three Derby,” which has reinforced their position at the summit and widened the gap to nearest rivals.

Jesus has underscored the importance of securing victory over Al Fateh before a congested period of fixtures, including an Asian Champions League date with FC Goa on October 22, a league match with Al Hazm on October 25, then a tough clash with Al Ittihad on October 28 in the King’s Cup last-16, and a quick turnaround to face Al Fayha again within 48 hours in the league. Those tasks are shaping a schedule insiders have already labeled “grueling.”

Gomes: turning point needed

Speaking ahead of the match, Al Fateh’s Portuguese coach Jose Gomes highlighted the difficulty of facing a top side like Al Nassr, saying his team must shake off a negative run and treat the game as a fresh start.

“I don’t fear any team; I respect everyone we face,” Gomes said. “It’s vital we play with confidence and real mental focus, and we’ve been working on those exact points in the days leading up to the game.”

He added: “We’re looking to execute our tactical ideas on both defense and attack and we’re mindful of the strengths we must counter. My hope is that luck will be on our side this time and that we can regain our injured players’ readiness to compete.”

Historical meetings

The clashes between Al Nassr and Al Fateh have long carried a special weight in Saudi football history. Since the start of the professional era in 2008-2009, the sides have met 32 times, with Al Nassr winning 19, Al Fateh four, and nine draws.

In terms of goals, Nassr have found the back of the net 64 times in those meetings, averaging about two per game, while Fateh have 30 goals, averaging just under one per match. The current encounter is set to be another hot contest, with both teams aiming to take a step toward their respective season objectives amid a demanding run of fixtures and high stakes.

As the round unfolds, fans will be watching to see whether Jesus’s disciplined approach translates into more consistent performances and whether Al Nassr can preserve their lead as the season intensifies, both domestically and continentally.

Two light-hearted lines to wrap it up: If football were a sniper game, Jesus would be lining up clean, precise shots in the top corners. And remember, in the world of football weight loss programs and tactical discipline, the only thing heavier than the weight on the shoulders of a striker is the wit of those who insist on keeping the jokes on the bench. Punchlines aside, may the goals do the talking — and may the fans bring the snacks.