The technical staff of Al-Nassr's first football team, led by Italian coach Stefano Pioli, decided to exclude French defender Mohamed Simakan from the official squad that will face Al-Qadisiyah in the upcoming match. This match is part of the fourteenth round of the Saudi Professional League and will be held at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh.
Reasons for Simakan's exclusion from the Al-Nasr and Al-Qadisiyah summit
The decision to exclude French professional Mohamed Simakan was based on reports from the medical and fitness staff, which confirmed that the player was not fully fit and technically ready to play a match of this magnitude and competitiveness. The coaching staff prefers not to risk the player given the pressure of consecutive matches, to ensure his complete recovery and ability to participate fully in upcoming competitions, especially since the team is competing on several fronts, both domestically and continentally.
Defensive alternatives and Al-Nassr's expected lineup
With Simakan unavailable, Al-Nassr's coach is expected to rely on alternative options to bolster the defense. It is anticipated that Nawaf Boushal will be deployed at full-back, with the possibility of including players like Ali Lajami or Aymeric Laporte (instead of the original source's error mentioning Iñigo Martínez, who does not play for Al-Nassr) to provide defensive depth against Al-Qadisiyah's potent attack. Al-Nassr will be aiming for a clean sheet to secure all three points.
The importance of the match and the context of the competition in the Roshan League
The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Qadisiyah match holds special significance beyond being merely a three-pointer. Historically, encounters between the two teams are considered thrilling classics in Saudi football, especially with Al-Qadisiyah's strong resurgence this season following the acquisition of world-class players by Aramco, making them a formidable opponent for the league's top clubs.
Domestically, Al-Nasr aims to continue its pursuit of the top spot and close the points gap with its rivals. Winning matches played at home in front of its fans at Al-Awal Park is crucial for competing for the league title. Any slip-up could complicate the team's chances of reclaiming the Roshan League title.
Regional and international impact of the Saudi League
This match comes at a time when the Saudi Professional League is enjoying unprecedented global attention, thanks to the presence of a host of international football stars in its clubs. The absence of a player of Simakan's caliber, who arrived from the German Bundesliga, and facing a star-studded team like Al-Qadisiyah, reflects the high level of technical skill and competitiveness of the league, further solidifying the Saudi League's position as one of the strongest leagues outside of Europe.
