The coaching staff of Al-Nassr's first football team announced important developments regarding the readiness of French professional Mohamed Simakan, in preparation for the highly anticipated and crucial match against their arch-rivals Al-Hilal, as part of the Saudi Professional League. These statements are intended to reassure Al-Nassr fans who are eagerly awaiting this major encounter.
Simakan's derby preparation plan
During the pre-match press conference ahead of Al-Qadisiyah's 14th-round game, Al-Nassr's manager explained that the French defender is highly likely to be available for the crucial match against Al-Hilal. The coach indicated a tactical strategy aimed at avoiding any risk to the player in the Al-Qadisiyah match scheduled for Thursday, preferring instead to ensure he is fully fit and in peak physical condition for Monday's encounter.
The Al-Nasr coach confirmed that Simakan is 100% medically fit after recovering from his injury and participating in group training during the past two days. However, the coaching staff prefers to give him enough time to gradually regain his match rhythm, to ensure that he does not suffer any setback that could deprive the team of his services in the most important match of the season.
The importance of Simakan in the Nasr map
Twenty-five-year-old Mohammed Simakan is a key pillar of Al-Nassr's defense this season. His impact is evident in the statistics: he has featured in 15 matches for the club this season, accumulating 1084 minutes of playing time, contributing not only defensively but also offensively, scoring two goals. His presence against Al-Hilal is a tactical necessity to neutralize the league leaders' potent attack.
Riyadh derby: A battle for the top spot
The upcoming Al-Nassr vs. Al-Hilal match takes on exceptional importance, transcending its status as a mere traditional derby; it's a direct confrontation to break the deadlock at the top of the Roshan League. Al-Nassr enters the match in second place with 31 points, chasing league leaders Al-Hilal by a single point. This close proximity in points makes the match a "six-pointer," as it will determine the winter champion and shape the competition in the second half of the season.
Historical and global context
The Riyadh derby has garnered unprecedented global attention in recent years, thanks to the star-studded lineups of both teams, placing the Saudi league under the international media spotlight. This match comes at a time of fierce competition and a marked improvement in the league's technical level, making the readiness of each player, particularly key players like Simakan, a crucial factor in determining the outcome of such high-stakes encounters.
The stadium is scheduled to host this football carnival on Monday evening, January 12, at 8:30 pm, amid expectations of a large crowd and significant media attention.
