The coaching staff of Al-Nassr's first football team, led by Portuguese coach Luis Castro, has made a crucial tactical decision regarding Senegalese star Sadio Mane ahead of their upcoming match against Damac FC. Al-Nassr is preparing to host Damac at the "Al-Awwal Park" stadium in Riyadh, as part of the 17th round of the Saudi Professional League, in a match where the Yellows will be looking to extend their winning streak.
The decision to exclude Sadio Mane from the squad for this match was based on a thorough assessment of the player's physical condition. The Senegalese star is suffering from general fatigue due to the considerable effort he has exerted recently, particularly his international participation with his national team in the Africa Cup of Nations. The coaching staff prefers to give the player a period of rest to ensure he fully recovers his fitness and readiness for the crucial upcoming matches of the season, thus avoiding further fatigue or muscle injuries that could sideline him for longer periods.
This decision comes at a crucial time in the competition, as the battle for the top spot in the Saudi League intensifies, making every point vital. The Roshan League is currently attracting global attention due to its draw of elite international football stars, which raises the level of competition and physical demands on the players, especially the internationals who juggle club and national team commitments.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr's management, in coordination with the coaching staff, is exploring options to strengthen the team's ranks during the current winter transfer window. These moves aim to address technical weaknesses and provide strong alternatives in various positions, ensuring continued competitiveness for all available domestic and continental titles this season, thus fulfilling the aspirations of Al-Nassr's vast fan base.
It is worth noting that Al-Nasr enters this match with high morale after achieving an exciting victory in the last round against its neighbor Al-Shabab with a score of three goals to two, in a derby that witnessed great competitiveness and confirmed the offensive strength that the team possesses, which is what the technical staff seeks to exploit against Damac despite the absence of Mane.
