Nawaf Boushal returns from injury to boost Al Nassr training camp in Portugal

Al Nassr will be joined in their Lisbon training camp by Saudi Arabia international Nawaf Boushal after the right-back recovered from an ankle ligament injury sustained at the 2026 World Cup.

The Saudi Pro League side are currently in the second phase of their pre-season preparations for the new campaign, based in the Portuguese capital Lisbon from 19 July until their scheduled departure on 5 August.

Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah reports that Boushal, who plays at full-back for Al Nassr, has completed his rehabilitation from the problem he picked up while representing the Saudi Arabia national team at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 24-year-old suffered a ligament tear in his ankle joint during Saudi Arabia’s goalless draw with Cape Verde in the third round of the group stage, forcing him out of action and into a structured recovery programme.

Although Saudi Arabia’s international players were granted a post-tournament break, Boushal instead followed an individual rehabilitation schedule to recover full fitness after the injury.

Squad reinforcements in Lisbon –

According to the same report, Boushal is scheduled to link up with Al Nassr’s camp in Portugal on Saturday, joining fellow Saudi internationals Nawaf Alaqidi, Abdulilah Al-Amri and Abdullah Al-Khaibari.

On arrival in Lisbon, Boushal will undergo medical tests to confirm he is fully recovered and able to take part in full training, as well as being available for upcoming friendly fixtures and, in due course, competitive matches.

The defender’s return provides a timely boost for Al Nassr coaching staff as they look to build fitness and cohesion ahead of the new season, with a series of pre-season friendlies arranged during their stay in Portugal.

Upcoming friendlies and early setback –

Al Nassr are set to face Spanish side Merida in a friendly on 28 July, before taking on Portuguese club Estrela Amadora on 1 August.

They will then conclude their Portuguese camp with a third friendly against Spain’s Almeria on 4 August.

Al Nassr’s overseas preparations began with a surprise defeat, losing 2-1 to the reserve team of Portuguese giants Benfica in an earlier warm-up match. That game saw a number of fringe players and non-regular starters given minutes as part of the club’s early pre-season plans.

The Riyadh club, known by their nickname “Al-Alami”, are using the Lisbon camp to assess squad depth, reintegrate returning internationals and fine-tune fitness levels before returning to Saudi Arabia ahead of the new domestic season.