SimaKan Returns to Shield as Al Nassr Gears Up for Neom, While Two Absentees Leave Gaps
7 November 2025
Return and upcoming clash
Al Nassr have recalled their French defender Mohammed SimaKan ahead of the highly anticipated Saudi Pro League clash with Neom.
The game is set to take place on Saturday at King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk, as round eight action continues.
According to Saudi media, coach Jorge Jesus decided to reinstate SimaKan into the squad after a recent spell on the sidelines with an injury.
He was among the players who traveled to Tabuk on Friday as they prepared to face Neom on Saturday.
Injury details
SimaKan suffered an injury in the 50th minute of the King’s Cup defeat to Al Ittihad, a 2-1 loss, which kept him out in the following league matches.
He had started in central defense alongside Inigo Martinez before leaving at half-time and being replaced by Abdulrahman Al Amri.
Medical staff recommended a four-day rest period due to a hamstring issue, after which he underwent therapy and a medical test confirmed his full readiness to return.
During this recovery window, SimaKan missed the win over Al Fayha and the 4-0 victory over Goa (Goa FC) in the AFC competition, continuing his rehabilitation journey.
Impact and expected role
His return is viewed as a strong boost for Al Nassr, with Jesus relying on him as a key member of the defense alongside Martinez.
Since the start of the season, the 25-year-old has appeared in 12 matches across all competitions, scoring one goal and contributing defensively.
His pace and ability to press high are expected to help the team press opponents more effectively and recover quickly in defense.
Having joined Al Nassr in the summer of 2024 from Leipzig for around 35 million euros, SimaKan has featured in 51 matches for the club, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Absentees and lineup tweaks
Goalkeeper Bento will miss the Neom game as Jesus looks to field eight foreign players in the squad.
According to Al Riyadh daily, Bento was left out of the squad with Nawaf Al Aqidi taking the role as the first-choice keeper in Neom’s visit.
Ayman Yahya is also out after suffering a hamstring inflammation, with the club’s X account confirming ongoing treatment and rehab for a return in the near future.
Replacing Ayman Yahya
The Daily newspaper reports Jesus has settled on a player to fill the left-back slot in Yahya’s absence, as Saad Al Nasser’s injury continues to affect readiness.
Nawaf Boushal could move to the left side, with Sultan Al Ghannam likely to start at right-back to balance the defense after Boushal’s recent positional shift.
Further injuries
Saad Al Nasser’s prior injuries have kept him sidelined, with scans revealing a ligament issue in the right foot. He is undergoing physiotherapy and rehab in the club’s facility while awaiting a return date, having previously picked up an injury during a friendly and requiring careful management to return.
