Nawaf Al-Aqidi return delayed until late December after elbow surgery

Nawaf Al-Aqidi is not expected to return to action until around the end of December after undergoing surgery on an elbow injury, according to reports in Saudi Arabia.

The Al Nassr and Saudi Arabia goalkeeper has begun a rehabilitation programme at the Aspetar centre in Doha, Qatar, as he works towards a return to training and competitive football.

Al-Aqidi suffered the injury during Saudi Arabia’s 1-0 victory over Kuwait at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah in September. The match was the opening fixture of the group stage at the 27th Gulf Cup, known as Gulf 27.

The elbow problem ruled him out for the rest of the tournament, as well as Saudi Arabia’s international fixtures during the November international break. He has also been unavailable to Al Nassr throughout the same period.

Al-Aqidi underwent surgery in London on 16 October and has since started the recovery process. Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya reported that his rehabilitation programme at Aspetar will last between four and six weeks.

During that period, he will complete daily training sessions lasting three hours before being assessed by the doctor overseeing his treatment. The medical assessment will determine whether he can return to normal training and matches or requires further rehabilitation.

Al Nassr’s medical staff are continuing to monitor his condition in coordination with the Saudi Arabia national team’s medical department. The Saudi team’s official account on X previously confirmed that both medical teams were involved in his care.

Al-Aqidi’s projected recovery date means he would have missed the 2027 AFC Asian Cup had the competition gone ahead as originally scheduled. Saudi Arabia was due to host the tournament from 7 January to 5 February, with 24 teams taking part.

However, the Asian Football Confederation has postponed the competition because of logistical circumstances in Saudi Arabia. It will now be played from December next year until January 2028.

The change could give Al-Aqidi additional time to recover and target a return at the beginning of next year. He will then aim to reclaim his place at Al Nassr and work his way back into the Saudi Arabia squad.

The goalkeeper had not been first choice for Al Nassr since the start of the current season, with Brazilian goalkeeper Bento preferred in goal. Al-Aqidi was a substitute before his injury ruled him out of matches altogether.