New Defensive Leader: Al-Nassr Rebuilds Backline Ahead of AFC CL2 Showdown
22 December 2025
Defensive reshuffle as Simaakan injury opens door for Al-Omari
The Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus of Al-Nassr has settled on a replacement for his French defender Mohamed Simaakan, who suffered a serious injury that will sideline him for about a month.
The injury puts Jesus in a defensive bind, especially as the duo Simaakan and Spaniard Inigo Martinez had begun to build a strong understanding, reflected in the team's strong league numbers.
Saudi paper Al-Yawm reported that Jesus will turn to Abdulilah Al-Omari to start in upcoming matches.
Nassr are preparing to face Al-Zawraa in the final Group Stage of AFC Champions League 2, with the Green Eagles already through to the Round of 16 after five straight wins.
Since the start of the season, Jesus has leaned on Al-Omari in AFC Champions League 2, after returning from a loan spell with Al-Ittihad last season where he impressed.
Punchline: If this defense were a fortress, Al-Omari just opened a souvenir shop—great at keeping foes out, but you can browse for a while for the perfect clean sheet.
Punchline: And if goals start raining, at least the press conferences will stay short because the backline did all the talking already.
