Al-Nassr defender Mohamed Simakan to miss Al-Ettifaq game as Samu Costa returns

Al-Nassr defender Mohamed Simakan has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al-Ettifaq in Dammam, while midfielder Samu Costa is fit and available for the defending champions.

The French centre-back remains troubled by a minor hamstring strain and has been left out of Australian head coach Ange Postecoglou’s plans for the third round of the league season, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya.

Simakan and Costa were both rested for Al-Nassr’s match against Al-Riyadh on Friday as the club sought to manage their fitness. Costa has since returned to full training and appeared physically ready to feature against Al-Ettifaq.

Al-Nassr trained at their centre on Sunday evening, with the Portugal midfielder taking part in the session. Simakan, however, continued to feel discomfort in the back of his thigh and will not travel as part of the squad for Tuesday’s fixture.

The team’s delegation is scheduled to leave for Dammam on Monday afternoon. Al-Nassr will then hold their final training session in the evening at Al-Ettifaq’s stadium, the venue for the league match.

Kick-off is set for 19:00 local time on Tuesday, when Postecoglou’s side will look to maintain its perfect start to the new Saudi Pro League campaign.

Al-Nassr began their title defence with a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh before recording a 4-0 win against Al-Riyadh. Those results have put the club in strong early form, although Simakan’s absence will leave Postecoglou without one of his defensive options for the trip to Dammam.

Between the two league matches, Al-Nassr also defeated Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the round of 32 of the King’s Cup. That victory completed a strong opening run across both competitions, with the club scoring 11 goals in its first three competitive fixtures of the season.

Costa’s return provides a boost in midfield before the meeting with Al-Ettifaq, but Simakan’s ongoing hamstring issue means he will continue his recovery away from Tuesday’s match. The defender had been included in the club’s preparations before being removed from the plans because of the lingering strain.

Al-Nassr’s final preparations will take place after the squad arrives in Dammam, with the evening session at Al-Ettifaq’s stadium serving as the team’s last workout before the game.