Veteran French coach Christophe Galtier expressed his deep concern over the spate of injuries plaguing his NEOM squad ahead of their upcoming match against Al-Najma. This game, part of the eleventh round of the league competition, will see NEOM host their opponents next Thursday evening, a match in which the team aims to continue their strong performances despite the adverse circumstances.
During the pre-match press conference, the former Paris Saint-Germain coach revealed details of the significant absences that will alter his tactical plans, explaining: “We have suffered from a strange run of bad luck with injuries recently. Abdulaziz Noor will undergo knee surgery, which means he will be out of action for up to 8 weeks. We also suffered a blow with the injury to Abdulmalik Al-Ayiri while playing for the Saudi Arabia U-23 national team, and he is expected to be out for a long period that could extend to 10 weeks, with the possibility of him undergoing surgery.”.
In a related matter, Galtier addressed the injury sustained by Simon Bouabrie during the intense friendly match against Al-Hilal, where he suffered a bruise to his ankle. The coach noted that the team has lost the services of four players simultaneously before the Al-Najma match due to these successive injuries, while simultaneously affirming his determination to maintain the high level of performance and fight with the available players to ensure the team's continued competitiveness.
The NEOM Sports Club project is gaining significant importance both locally and internationally, as it is part of the Kingdom's ambitious sports vision. The club's appointment of a coach of Galtier's caliber, with his impressive track record in European leagues, underscores its serious commitment to building an indomitable team capable of rising to and competing at the highest levels. These current challenges represent a true test of the squad's depth and the coaching staff's ability to adapt to crises in an increasingly competitive environment.
Regarding the upcoming opponent, Galtier refused to underestimate Al-Najma despite their position in the standings, saying: “Looking at the numbers, we find Al-Najma in the lower ranks, but the reality on the field is different; they are an organized team and possess skillful players capable of making a difference. There are no easy matches in this league, and we must play with complete seriousness and not be deceived by the opponent’s ranking.”.
The coach concluded his remarks by thanking his players for their great commitment in training, noting that these absences may be a “blessing in disguise,” as they will open the door for young talents from the club’s academy to get their chance and prove their worth in representing the first team, which is in line with the club’s strategy of developing rising talents.
