Al-Nassr poised to recall Al-Amri and Samo Costa for Pakhtakor clash

Al-Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou is expected to make two changes to his starting line-up for Monday’s AFC Champions League Elite meeting with Pakhtakor.

The Saudi Arabian side travel to face the Uzbek club on 02 November 2026, in the fourth round of the competition.

According to a source cited by Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya, Abdulilah Al-Amri is set to return to the starting XI and partner Spain international Inigo Martinez in central defence.

Al-Amri was left out of the starting line-up for Al-Nassr’s 5-3 victory over Al-Kholood on Thursday in round 12 of the Roshn Saudi League. Postecoglou selected France defender Mohamed Simakan alongside Martinez in that match, while Al-Amri remained among the substitutes.

Simakan is expected to make way for Al-Amri against Pakhtakor, with the change forming one of the two adjustments being considered by the Australian coach.

The other is likely to see Portugal midfielder Samo Costa return to the team after completing a suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards. He missed the Al-Kholood match after being booked against Al-Faisaly in round 11.

Postecoglou had opted to rest Cristiano Ronaldo, France forward Kingsley Coman and Simakan for the previous league fixture. The decision came as Al-Nassr faced a demanding sequence of matches and travel, with the coaching staff seeking to reduce the physical burden on the three players ahead of their upcoming commitments.

Ronaldo, Coman and Simakan are therefore not expected to be recalled for the same reason, while Al-Amri and Samo Costa are in line to strengthen the side for the trip to Uzbekistan.

Al-Nassr will be looking for a victory to improve their position in the West Region group. They currently sit ninth with three points from one win and one defeat.

The club also have a postponed fixture against United Arab Emirates side Al Wasl still to play, giving them another opportunity to improve their standing in the group.