Injury Storm Clouds Over Riyadh Derby: Can Al Nassr Field Its Best Pair Against Al Shabab?
13 January 2026
Injury Update Ahead of the Riyadh Derby
Injury troubles loom for Al Nassr as French duo Mohamed Simakan and Kingsley Coman face doubts ahead of the Riyadh derby with Al Shabab after their setback against Al Hilal.
Al Nassr were defeated 3-1 by Al Hilal in Monday’s clash at the Kingdom Arena, extending their winless run in the league to four matches.
Simakan left the pitch in the 72nd minute and was replaced by Ali Al-Hassan, while Coman carried on despite a knock from a 50-50 challenge with Al Hilal goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Rubaie.
Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reported that Simakan exited the field normally and was returning from an issue that had sidelined him for the last five games.
It added that Jorge Jesus, Al Nassr’s coach, coordinated with the medical staff to use the French defender for roughly 60 to 70 minutes, which explains his substitution within that window.
It also noted that Coman left the field without a worrying injury, not being affected by the challenge that involved the opposing goalkeeper.
Thus, both players are deemed fit to feature in the Riyadh derby against Al Shabab on Saturday at Al-Awwal Park, in the sixteenth round of the Roshen Pro League.
Meanwhile, Abdulrahman Al-Omri and Raghid Al-Najjar continued their rehabilitation at the club on Tuesday morning, as others rested, to be ready for the Shabab clash.
Al Nassr are chasing a return to winning form in the league after a poor spell, with one draw and three losses in the last four games, sitting on 31 points, seven behind leaders Al Hilal.
Derby Readiness and Implications
The forthcoming showdown is crucial for Al Nassr’s momentum as they look to revive their season and narrow the gap to the top of the table.
With Simakan and Coman reportedly ready, the squad’s offensive and defensive options should remain potent, though fitness will be closely watched in the build-up to kickoff.
Coach Jesus will be hopeful the pair can contribute significant minutes without risking a relapse, and the other squad members will be aiming to capitalize on any rust among opponents ahead of the weekend sprint.
As fans brace for another Riyadh classic, the club’s broader injury updates will be key in deciding whether this derby marks a turning point or simply another chapter in a challenging sequence.
Punchline time: If injuries were a sport, these two would be the heavyweight champs of padding their calendars—talk the talk, but please bring your boots to the walk.
And if the game is decided by inches, let’s hope it’s the inches between the goalposts and not between the players and the medical room door.
