The technical staff of Al-Nasr team received a huge moral and technical boost before the start of the anticipated "Riyadh derby", as the technical staff decided to include the solid French defender Mohamed Simakan in the official list that will play against Al-Hilal in the upcoming match of the Saudi Professional League.
The decision to call up Simakan came after the medical staff gave the green light for the player, confirming his full readiness to participate following his complete recovery from a hamstring injury. The French defender sustained the injury during a training session with Al-Nassr during the recent break, which sidelined him and deprived the team of his services in the matches following the resumption of competitions. He is now a valuable asset that Al-Nassr is counting on to solidify its defense.
The importance of the Riyadh derby and its impact on the title race
This encounter holds exceptional significance, transcending the mere fact that it's a three-point match; it represents the pinnacle of Saudi football and the showcase of the Saudi Professional League, which has garnered global attention thanks to its attraction of the game's biggest stars. The match comes at a crucial juncture in the season, as the Riyadh derby embodies a direct battle for the top spot and footballing prestige between the capital's two giants.
Al-Nassr enters the match knowing that a win is the best option to close the points gap and ignite the title race. The team currently sits in second place in the standings with 31 points, just four points behind their arch-rivals, Al-Hilal, who lead the table. Analysts believe that the result of this match could be a game-changer for the league champion early on. A win for Al-Nassr would narrow the gap to just one point, while a victory for Al-Hilal would widen the gap and extend their lead at the top of the table.
Simakan's numbers and the addition of defensive strength
Twenty-five-year-old Mohamed Simakan is a cornerstone of Al-Nassr's defensive project this season. Statistics highlight his significant impact, with the French defender having featured in 15 matches for Al-Nassr, accumulating a total of 1084 minutes of playing time. Simakan's contributions extend beyond defense, as he has also scored two goals, making him a potent weapon on set pieces.
Al-Nasr is scheduled to be a heavy guest for Al-Hilal at 8:30 pm on Monday, January 12, as part of the (15) round of the Roshan League, in a football night that is awaited by football fans in the Kingdom and abroad.
