Sami Al-Najai’s Return: Al-Nassr’s Injury Nightmare Rolls Back to Positivity
20 November 2025
Sami Al-Najai, the winger for Al-Nassr, closed the injury chapter as he received the green light to join the club's group training sessions.
Saudi-based daily Al-Riyadia delivered the good news for the team's fans today, noting that Sami is close to rejoining group drills after a 21-day layoff.
A demanding conditioning program was outlined, with a three-week plan aimed at bringing him back to competitive readiness.
The newspaper explained that the Portuguese doctor Carlos Miguel, Al-Nassr's physician, gave clearance for Sami to enter full training after he completed all rehabilitation milestones.
He won't be ready to feature in the upcoming match against Al-Khaleej, scheduled for Sunday as part of round nine of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
Return to Group Training
The ACL tear occurred during the Al-Nassr vs. Al-Raed match on August 22, 2024, the opening game of last season, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Sami underwent ACL surgery in Spain with surgeon Ramon Cugat in September last year, and was initially expected to return after six months, but the recovery stretched to about 13 months.
The 28-year-old had previously endured the same injury six years earlier, undergoing surgery in Saudi Arabia with Dr. Salem Al-Zahrani.
Sami is a product of the club's youth system and was promoted to the first team in 2019, after loan spells at Al-Qadsiah in the latter half of 2018-19, then at Damac in 2019-2020, before returning to the Yellow of Riyadh.
During his spell with the Najd Falcons, he played 143 games, scored 21 goals, and provided 18 assists.
With his return, coach Jorge Jesus could find a valuable midfield option to address some of the problems in the capital club, making him a notable and strong addition to the team.
Preparing for Al-Khaleej
Al-Nassr is now geared up for the league clash against Al-Khaleej after the international break, as domestic football resumes.
Jorge Jesus' men sit top of the Roshen Pro League with 24 points, while Al-Khaleej occupy sixth place on 14.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to join group training tonight ahead of the Al-Khaleej clash.
Meanwhile, teammate Joao Felix is also training with Al-Nassr as the coaching staff works to prepare him for the match at The First Park.
Jesus reportedly decided Wesley Gasova’s fate, with reports indicating a plan to sell the remaining contract portion to free up a foreign slot, amid Sporting Lisbon’s interest.
The Portuguese club is reportedly aiming to sign Wesley Gasova during the winter window, while Al-Nassr’s management insists on selling the contract for around 15 million euros.
Shocking admission: ahead of Nasr's return to Roshen action, the Saudi referees committee and arbitration body admitted that the penalty awarded to Ronaldo’s teammates against Neom was not legitimate, a revelation that did little to dim the recent on-field drama.
Although Nasr beat Neom 3-1 on November 8 in Round 8, controversy surrounded several decisions in that match.
“If the ACL wants to stay in the headlines, Sami’s knee just filed for a permanent marriage license.” And if injuries were auto-replies, his comeback would be set to “Out of Office” with a big, sunny stamp. As for the fans, they’re hoping the only thing Back in Action is Sami’s form—out with the old, in with the stronger. Stay tuned: the comeback is coming, and it’s bringing a little extra spark to Al-Nassr’s engine.
