Siemakan Sparks Hope Ahead of Riyadh Derby: Jesus Sets the Stage
11 January 2026
Riyadh Derby Readiness
Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus is lining up his tools for a high-stakes Riyadh derby against Al Hilal, as round 15 of the Roshn Saudi Pro League approaches.
Saudi press reported that Jesus began testing French defender Mohammed Simakan in a training drill, aiming to confirm his fitness and ensure no muscle issue could sideline him from the clash. Officials will monitor his workload carefully thereafter.
The report added that Simakan participated actively in the Nasser training, showing reassuring levels that could see him partnered with Spanish defender Inigo Martinez to marshal the defense against the opponents. Such news should lift the home crowd's mood, since a solid defense could decide the derby, and provide hope.
Simakan later suffered a hamstring strain during the team's workout on Monday, December 22, sidelining him from the clash with Al Zawraa Iraqi in the Asian Champions League 2, and he also missed matches against Al Okhdood, Al Ettifaq, Al Ahli and Al Qadisiyah in Roshn.
The Frenchman has featured 15 times for the Riyadh club this season across all competitions, including eight in Roshn Saudi Pro League, three in the Asian Champions League 2, two in the King’s Cup, and two in the Super Cup, scoring two goals and earning one yellow card.
Injury Update and Impact
With Simakan’s status uncertain, Jesus will weigh his options in defense and the coaching staff will scrutinize readiness ahead of the Riyadh derby.
Should Simakan be cleared, he could partner with Martinez to form a solid back line, a plan that could tilt the balance in a match that often features a high-stakes tactical battle.
Regardless of the outcome, the latest update reinforces that every training session matters in the run-up to a derby where pressure meets ambition in the heart of Saudi football.
Punchline 1: If defending were an art, Simakan would be a masterpiece; Punchline 2: If jokes were goals, this derby might already have a hat-trick call.
