Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli has opted to rest Sadio Mané for their upcoming Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Orobah on Friday, January 27, 2025.
The decision is aimed at ensuring the Senegalese forward is fully fit for the crucial AFC Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash against Esteghlal in Tehran.
Fixture congestion concerns for Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr had requested a postponement of their league match against Al-Orobah to allow more recovery time ahead of their continental encounter.
However, the Saudi football authorities denied their appeal, leaving Pioli with the challenge of managing his squad to prevent fatigue and injuries.
With a high-stakes Champions League tie looming, Pioli has taken a cautious approach, deciding not to include Mané in the squad for the league fixture.
The 32-year-old winger has been a key figure for Al-Nassr this season, and his absence from the domestic match is a strategic move to keep him fresh for the clash against Esteghlal.
Key returns and absences for Al-Orobah match
Al-Nassr will see the return of defenders Mohamed Simakan and John Duran, who are available for selection after serving suspensions.
Simakan was sidelined for two matches following a red card against Al-Ahli, while Duran missed one match after his sending-off against Al-Ettifaq.
Both players are expected to start against Al-Orobah, strengthening the team’s defensive lineup.
However, the squad will still be missing several key figures. Aymeric Laporte remains unavailable due to a hamstring injury, ruling him out of Friday’s game.
Additionally, Otávio Monteiro, Sultan Al-Ghannam, and Abdullah Al-Khaibari continue their rehabilitation after sustaining muscle injuries against Al-Ahli Saudi.
Ali Lajami is also unavailable but is expected to return for the Champions League fixture against Esteghlal.
In Laporte’s absence, Mohamed Al-Fatil is likely to partner with Simakan at the heart of the defence.
Strategic squad rotation
With the AFC Champions League being a priority for Al-Nassr, Pioli’s decision to rest key players highlights his tactical planning.
The Riyadh-based club aims to advance deep into the competition, and avoiding unnecessary injuries to their star players will be crucial in their campaign.
Al-Nassr will look to secure three points against Al-Orobah despite the squad rotations before shifting their full focus to the continental stage, where they face a challenging test against Esteghlal.
