Some opportunities cannot be missed, and Al Nassr has the last one to keep its reputation as one of the best clubs in Saudi. The team from Riyadh still has the King Cup to salvage and it appears like they would have to deal with a few challenges. The clash will be against Al Hilal, who has already won two titles and will push you to the limit on any given day. In addition, talks look a bit concerning for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr, as another attacker is under scanner for injury.
With just two games left to wrap up the season, Al Nassr winger Ayman Yahya’s presence is uncertain, as recent reports suggest. According to a Saudi club news page on X, Yahya will undergo an X-ray on the injured site, which will also cover connective muscle tissue. The Saudi international caught an injury against Al Hilal yesterday during the league game but the extent and other details of the injury aren’t clear yet.
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الرياضية :
أيمن يحيى سيخضع لأشعه على موضع الإصابة التي تعرض لها في مباراة الهلال على مستوى العضلة الضامة. pic.twitter.com/emz5mkg8oR
— يعقوب (@X99i3) May 18, 2024
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Yahya was seen on the ground in pain and was stretching his legs in the 71st minute. But it isn’t the first time he has suffered injuries this season. The 23-year-old had an issue with his ankle while playing for the Saudi national team early this year. Additionally, he also caught injuries in December last year and March 2024.
Most starting from the bench in the first half of the season, Yahya made regular appearances in the starting eleven after the injury to Anderson Talisca. He played 29 games this season, scoring two goals and providing 7 assists. Subsequently, Yahya’s impressive performances have made him a pivotal player in the absence of the Brazilian. However, with less than two weeks to go until the final, Luis Castro’s club will aim to have a fit squad for revenge.
Al Nassr coach opens up about King Cup final
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Al Nassr suffered quite a lot of injuries this season, which has been their main concern. But coach Luis Castro pointed out another issue ahead of the game on May 31st. The Portuguese manager said, “The final has its calculations, and it is difficult to talk about it now. There are two big teams in the final, and we want the refereeing team to be strong and top-class, befitting the confrontation,” hinting at his issue against referees. The club was once again on the harsh side of officiating yesterday when the referee gave Al Hilal a penalty in the 9th minute of stoppage time.
Nevertheless, the Knights of Najd have appealed for foreign referees for the season finale. Moreover, their star attacker and Ronaldo’s partner in crime, Anderson Talisca is expected to recover by then. Therefore, with a few positives on their side, the club in yellow will look to put the past behind them, secure the King Cup, and leave the fans with something to treasure.