Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman are set to headline a star-studded Al-Nassr lineup as the squad faces Diriyah at Al-Awwal Park this Friday. While the team eyes a return to winning ways, they face the match with specific roster adjustments as coach Ange Postecoglou looks to secure three points to close the two-point gap currently separating them from league leaders Al-Hilal.
This matchup is critical for Al-Nassr’s standing in the Saudi Roshn League. With 16 points currently accumulated from five wins, one draw, and one defeat, the club remains in a tight race at the top of the table. For readers following the league, this fixture serves as a key indicator of whether the team can maintain its pursuit of the top spots, especially as they integrate players coming back from both injury and international duty.
Journalist Abdulaziz Al-Osaimi confirmed that the Portuguese stars and Kingsley Coman are ready for the match. Defender Mohamed Simakan is also set to feature after recovering from a muscle strain, and Ayman Yahya has returned from his own recent injury. However, the squad faces personnel challenges: Abdulelah Al-Amri is out due to fatigue after helping the Saudi national team win the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup, and winger Abdulrahman Ghareeb will also miss the encounter.
Looking ahead, Al-Nassr enters this clash following a 1-1 draw against Al Khaleej, while Diriyah enters the game after a 0-0 draw against Abha. The match represents a significant test for Diriyah, who have managed a solid start to the season but now face one of their toughest away tasks to date in the capital.