Not Just Mane: Jorge Jesus Dims Al-Nassr Camp by Excluding Four Players in Abu Dhabi

Camp shake-up: Mane excluded and injuries hit four others

The Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, boss of Al-Nassr, has excluded four players from the squad's Abu Dhabi training camp, as they prepare to join Senegal star Sadio Mane in the build-up.

Al-Nassr decided to withdraw Mane from the overseas camp during the Saudi league pause, giving him a proper rest ahead of Africa Cup of Nations duties with Senegal and to avoid turning camp fitness into a fragile soap opera.

The Saudi daily, Sport, reported that four other players would miss the camp due to injuries: Sami Al-Najai, Abdul Malik Al-Jaber, Saad Haqwi, and Mohammad Moran.

Exclusions for Al-Najai and Al-Jaber mean they will continue rehabilitating at the club's Riyadh base as they edge closer to fitness following earlier injuries.

Meanwhile, Saad Haqwi’s back-muscle issue resurfaced after a recent improvement, while Moran has another health hitch, according to the report.

The Abu Dhabi camp runs from this Sunday through December 11, with a single friendly against UAE side Al Wahda scheduled for next Wednesday.

Al-Nassr will resume official Saudi league action on December 21, when they face Al Najmah in Round 10.

Punchline 1: The camp’s drama has better screenplay than some transfer rumors.

Punchline 2: Fitness updates sponsored by coffee, apparently.