The technical staff of Al-Nassr Saudi Club, led by Italian coach Stefano Pioli, received a huge moral and technical boost with the return of French defender Mohamed Simakan to participate in the team’s group training, on Tuesday evening, as part of the intensive preparations for the anticipated match against Al-Qadisiyah team.
The training session saw Simakan participate in part of the group exercises, confirming his significant recovery from the injury that recently sidelined him and kept him from full fitness. Al-Nassr is preparing to host Al-Qadisiyah next Thursday evening in a highly anticipated match within the fourteenth round of the Saudi Professional League, where the "Global" team aims to continue accumulating points and compete for the top spot in the standings.
Despite the French defender's medical fitness, sources close to the Riyadh club indicate that coach Pioli is very cautiously considering including him in the starting lineup against Al-Qadisiyah. The coaching staff intends to rest Simakan or give him limited playing time, in order to preserve him and fully prepare him for the crucial and fiercest match of the fifteenth round, when Al-Nassr clashes with its traditional rival Al-Hilal in the Riyadh derby, a match that could determine the shape of the title race this season.
The match against Al-Qadisiyah takes on special significance, as the visiting team is not an easy opponent this season, especially after their strong reinforcements and impressive return to the Pro League. This makes the match a true test of Al-Nassr's defensive solidity before the derby. Al-Nassr players understand that dropping any points before facing Al-Hilal could widen the gap and make catching up to the league leaders more difficult. This puts the coach in a difficult position, balancing the need to win on Thursday with the need to preserve his key players for the crucial match.
Mohammed Simakan, arriving from the German league, is considered one of Al-Nassr's key players in bolstering their defense this season. Since joining, he has demonstrated exceptional form thanks to his physical strength and playmaking abilities, making him indispensable in big matches. His return at this crucial time offers Al-Nassr fans some reassurance before the derby, where facing Al-Hilal's potent attack demands a defense at peak physical and mental condition.
