Al Nassr Injury Update: Luis Castro Forced to Overhaul Squad Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s Teammate’s Renewed Injury; Sadio Mane to Play Full-Back?

Al Nassr seems to have hit a stumbling block. As the Riyadh side endured two consecutive defeats in their previous fixtures, they are preparing in full swing to bounce back with a victory in tomorrow’s AFC Champions League clash against Al Ain. However, just hours before the match, a renewed injury to  Cristiano Ronaldo‘s teammate forced Luis Castro to revamp the squad in the eleventh hour. In fact, the severity of the injury may even lead to the unexpected scenario of Sadio Mane being deployed as a full-back.

Goalkeeper Raghed Al-Najjar has forced the Knights of the Najd’s technical and medical staff to ponder. Reports from X suggest that there are fears surrounding Al-Najjar’s injury, as many believe it will keep him sidelined for more time. Hence, if the 27-year-old goalie fails to recoup quickly, Castro might be forced to make bold decisions. Firstly, the Portuguese tactician will again call up outcast goalkeeper David Ospina. The former Arsenal goalkeeper was out nursing his long-term injury. 

However, he was called up against Al Raed and Al Ain. Another plan that Castro might consider for tomorrow’s match, due to Al-Najjar’s injury, is to play with three defenders. Unfortunately, Aymeric Laporte was sent off in the first leg, meaning he isn’t available for selection for the return leg. However, it’s highly likely that Ospina will start tomorrow’s game instead of Al-Najjar. This decision comes after Al-Nassr shared a graphic design for the Al-Ain match, which includes Ospina alongside other stars. As if such tactical decisions weren’t enough to cause a stir, there’s more.

It’s no secret that the last two defeats have built pressure on Castro. Therefore, aside from contemplating a 3-man defense, the Al Nassr boss tried Sadio Mane as a defender. 

Al Nassr boss Luis Castro allegedly sees Sadio Mane as a right-back!

Sadio Mane is a man who is known for his attacking prowess. However, Luis Castro reportedly tried the Senegalese international on the right-back spot during the training sessions. It might be one of the former Shakhtar Donetsk boss’ approaches to bringing a more attacking nature from the back line, a trait that his side lacked in the previous leg. However, this might be one of his attempts to keep the 3 defense lines at the back.  

Castro might have experimented with Mane as a full-back to widen the midfield. This would enable the former Liverpool man to engage in playmaking with midfielders while also taking over the defensive duties during the opposition’s counterattacks. Even Mane would agree to play in this unconventional position, given that he wasn’t impressed with his performance lately, helping him to deliver better. Nevertheless, all depends on the absence of Raghed Al-Najjar. 

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Cancels $373,000 Worth of Tickets for AFC Champions League Showdown With Al Ain – Reports