Nawaf Al-Aqidi’s injury leaves Al-Nassr facing uncertainty

Nawaf Al-Aqidi’s injury has put Al-Nassr in a difficult position: the goalkeeper has entered a decisive medical assessment phase that could determine his return, but the course of treatment has not yet been chosen. The club is waiting for clearer indications of his availability for the coming period.

Al-Aqidi travelled to London with the Saudi national team doctor for tests to establish whether he needs surgery or can instead rely on physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Al-Nassr is awaiting the assessment’s findings, which should clarify his recovery time and help determine whether he can return to training and then matches.

The injury occurred in the Saudi national team’s match against Kuwait at the start of the Gulf Arab Cup, “Khaleeji 27”. The goalkeeper fell while trying to deal with a cross and later left the field with pain in his right elbow. The coaching staff subsequently announced that he had been removed from the competition squad.

Further medical tests found a slight tear in the elbow joint. Initial estimates suggest around five weeks of treatment and rehabilitation, but that timeframe does not settle which treatment will be used. With surgery and rehabilitation both under consideration, Al-Aqidi’s case remains important for Al-Nassr as the club assesses the readiness of its international goalkeeper for the period ahead.