Al-Nassr keeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi doubtful for opener vs Al-Fateh

What Happened

Nawaf Al-Aqidi, the goalkeeper for Al-Nassr, is considered doubtful for the team's first Roshn League match of the season against Al-Fateh. The game is set to take place at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, marking the opening round of the campaign. Abruise to his shoulder was sustained during training earlier in the week, and his participation will be determined by a medical assessment conducted by Al-Nassr’s Portuguese doctor, Carlos Miguel, after the evaluation ahead of the final training session on Friday evening.

Why It Matters

The outcome could affect Al-Nassr’s first competitive line-up of the season, potentially altering the goalkeeper rotation and defensive stability at the start of the campaign. Al-Aqidi’s status also intersects with ongoing competition for the number one shirt within the team, given past changes in his role.

Background

Al-Aqidi began last season as Al-Nassr’s first-choice goalkeeper in the opening phase but subsequently lost his starting spot to Bento following errors in matches against Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hilal. He has previously been linked with a move away from the club, including with Al-Fateh and Al-Shabab, though no deal was finalised. Reports indicate he has sought more minutes this season to press for a return to the national team, where he previously lost his place to Mohammed Al-Owais.

Key Facts

• Al-Nassr will host Al-Fateh at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh for the season’s opening round.
• Nawaf Al-Aqidi is the goalkeeper in question and is described as doubtful for the match.
• The suspected injury is a bruise to his shoulder sustained during training earlier in the week.
• Medical decision will be made by Carlos Miguel, the club’s Portuguese doctor, after assessing his condition before the final training session on Friday evening.
• Al-Aqidi previously started as first-choice in the first half of last season and was replaced by Bento after certain errors.
• He was linked with moves to Al-Fateh and Al-Shabab, but nothing was finalised.
• He has expressed a desire for more playing time this season to push back into the national team lineup.

What Happens Next

The club will conduct a final training session on Friday evening, after which Carlos Miguel will decide Al-Aqidi’s availability for the opener against Al-Fateh.