Nawaf Al-Aqidi injury leaves Al Nassr awaiting key medical decision

Al Nassr goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi has travelled to London for further medical examinations as the Saudi club waits to discover whether his elbow injury will require surgery or can be treated through rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

Al-Aqidi made the journey with a Saudi national team doctor, according to Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya. The assessment is expected to determine when the 24-year-old can return to action and whether his recovery will follow the initial five-week estimate.

The goalkeeper was injured during Saudi Arabia’s opening match against Kuwait at the Arabian Gulf Cup “Gulf 27”. He fell while attempting to deal with a cross and was forced to leave the game after suffering pain in his right elbow.

The Saudi national team’s technical staff subsequently confirmed that Al-Aqidi had been withdrawn from the tournament squad.

Further medical tests showed a slight tear in the elbow joint, Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya reported. Initial estimates suggested that the goalkeeper would require about five weeks of treatment and rehabilitation, although the final timetable will depend on the outcome of the assessment in London.

Al Nassr are now waiting for the medical team to establish the most suitable course of action. A decision to operate would alter the club’s expectations over Al-Aqidi’s absence compared with a treatment plan based solely on physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

The results will also give the coaching and medical staff a clearer indication of when the goalkeeper might resume training and become available for matches. Until the final decision is made, the club cannot determine the full impact of the injury on its plans for the next stage of the season.

Al-Aqidi’s availability is an important issue for Al Nassr because the club needs certainty over the fitness of its international goalkeeper. The choice between surgery and rehabilitation will decide both the treatment route and the expected length of his time away from the pitch.