Saudi Pro League Comeback Countdown: The Unlucky Al-Nassr Star Begins Jorge Jesus's Plan
9 March 2026
Return plan under Jorge Jesus
Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, in charge of Al-Nassr, is crafting a tailored plan to slot back one of his top local stars who has been out with an ACL tear. The aim is to strengthen the squad for the decisive phases of the Saudi Pro League season.
Status and road to a first-team return
Sami Al-Naj'i, a standout local talent, has not featured since the start of last season after tearing his ACL.
According to the Saudi daily Al-Riyadiyah, Jesus intends to feature Sami with the under-21s to rebuild sharpness and regain match fitness before a first-team return.
The same report said he would resume full training after Eid al-Fitr.
Sami appeared in the squad list for the Al-Nassr vs Al-Najma match in Round 18 of the Go Joy Elite League, sitting on the bench with hopes of a starting role.
He had been back in training by February but was reassigned to the under-21s to ease him back into competitive rhythm.
The midfielder has been out for roughly 18 months, since the first round loss to Al-Raed on August 22, 2024, when the ACL injury ended his season.
That comeback would be a timely lift for a squad chasing silverware. If the ACL behaves, fans might soon hear the name Sami Al-Naj'i with more than a sigh.
Punchline 1: If injuries paid rent, Sami’s ACL would already own the stadium seat. Punchline 2: Jesus isn’t promising miracles—just a comeback so smooth even the injury report would file for a vacation.
