Pusic awaits medical updates as Al Ahli prepare for Al Nassr test

Al Ahli’s preparations for their Saudi Pro League meeting with Al Nassr have been disrupted by an injury list featuring six players, leaving manager Marino Pusic facing difficult selection decisions.

Al Ahli will host Al Nassr at Alinma Stadium on 20 November 2026 in the rearranged fixture from matchweek nine. The match is one of the most significant on the Saudi Pro League calendar and comes at a challenging time for Pusic’s side.

Defender Merih Demiral is among the injured players, alongside Zakaria Hawsawi, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, Nayef Masoud, Armenia international Eduard Spertsyan and France midfielder Valentin Atangana.

The injuries affect several areas of the team rather than one specific position, limiting Pusic’s options as he tries to assemble a starting XI capable of matching Al Nassr. Some of the absentees may not recover in time for the fixture, increasing the uncertainty surrounding Al Ahli’s line-up.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the situation has added to the pressure on Pusic, with Al Ahli needing to regain their balance after a run of results that has failed to satisfy supporters. The coach’s future, and his ability to steer the team back on course, has consequently attracted increasing attention within the club’s support base.

The medical department is expected to provide further reports in the coming days. Those assessments will determine whether each player can resume full team training before the match. Al Ahli’s medical staff are working to accelerate the recovery process and make as many players available as possible, while avoiding the risk of bringing anyone back before they are fully fit.

Time to prepare alternatives

The current international break gives Pusic an opportunity to address the weaknesses exposed in recent matches and improve understanding between his players. It will also allow the coaching staff to prepare alternatives in case some of the injured squad members fail to recover in time.

Al Ahli supporters are waiting to discover the extent of the team’s absences for the encounter with Al Nassr. The result could have an important bearing on Al Ahli’s ambitions this season, while the players will be seeking a positive performance to rebuild confidence among the club’s fans.

The next few days will therefore be crucial in determining the shape of Pusic’s team. A successful recovery programme could give him additional options, but continued injuries may force Al Ahli to adopt a different line-up for the match.

Al Ahli are sixth in the Saudi Pro League table with 21 points. Al Nassr occupy third place on 28 points.