Nassr’s fitness sprint: a star trio tests their mettle before the Gulf showdown
13 November 2025
Injury Update Ahead of the Gulf Clash
Al Nassr is racing against the clock during the international window to ready its squad for the upcoming Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Khaleej in Riyadh, as Round 9 approaches.
According to local reports, the trio of Ayman Yahya, Saad Al-Nasser, and Saad Haqwi have completed their final rehabilitation sessions at the club’s medical facility. A field assessment conducted by the team’s performance staff will determine their availability for training when the schedule resumes.
Head coach Jorge Jesus is expected to implement a bespoke conditioning plan for each player, based on their medical status. Depending on the outcome of the medical tests, they could rejoin the group sessions or continue with individual rehabilitation.
Full squad training is slated to resume on Friday as the team gears up for the November 23 showdown with Al-Khaleej in Riyadh, a match Nassr will approach with the aim of extending their winning run and chasing a possible new record.
On Sunday, Jesus is set to oversee a tactical session against the club’s first-team prospects, before a planned rest day on November 17. The players are due back in training on November 18 if medical clarity allows all internationals to rejoin the squad.
The status of the injured trio
Ayman Yahya is dealing with an adductor tendon inflammation, an issue that sidelined him from the latest Neom fixture and also earned him a place on the Saudi national team’s provisional list announced by coach Herve Renard for upcoming friendlies with Ivory Coast and Algeria.
Saad Al-Nasser sustained a significant injury in the 20th minute of a September Champions League group-stage clash with Istiklol Dushanbe, with club statements confirming a right ankle ligamental tear and subsequent rehab in the club clinic. A fresh setback last month during a friendly against Diriyah forced the coach to substitute him for Awad Aman, delaying his return.
Saad Haqwi, meanwhile, picked up an injury while representing Saudi Arabia’s U-20 team. Early assessments suggest a recovery window of around three weeks, keeping him out of the near-term schedule. Haqwi has been highlighted as a rising talent for his pace, intelligence in movement inside the box, and clinical finishing.
Kingsley Coman’s return
The Saudi press also notes the nearing return of French star Kingsley Coman to full training after a muscular issue. The 29-year-old is set to rejoin group sessions on Friday, with ongoing treatment if pain persists after the break. Coman was substituted in the 77th minute during the latest match against Neom.
With eight rounds completed, Nassr sit top of the Saudi Pro League with 24 points, having won every game so far and building a formidable lead in the title race.
Jésus on Bento’s departure
In a separate development, sources say Jorge Jesus has given the green light for Matheus Bento to depart in the January transfer window. The Brazilian goalkeeper has drawn interest from Inter Milan and AC Milan, prompting the club to consider bringing in a more experienced foreign presence between the posts.
As Nassr moves into the next phase, the ambition to sustain domestic dominance and push for continental glory remains high. The presence of Ronaldo’s leadership, coupled with strategic signings, keeps the club’s future aura electric.
And to keep things light on the sidelines: If injuries keep piling up, Nassr might start selling popcorn at training to fund the physio room—talk about a snackable fitness plan. Punchline coming: if you can’t beat the injury list, at least give it a dramatic comeback tour. Punchline two: the only red card Nassr wants this week is a red-carded calendar after five days of rest!
