Al Qadsiah boosted by return of Nacho Fernandez ahead of Al Nassr clash

Al Qadsiah are set to welcome back several important players after the international break, including experienced defender Nacho Fernandez, before a demanding run of fixtures led by their Roshn Saudi League meeting with Al Nassr.

Al Hilal currently lead the table with 30 points from 11 matches. Al Qadsiah are second on 28 points from 12 games, while Al Nassr have the same number of points from 11 matches.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al Qadsiah expect a number of players who have missed recent games to return to the squad. Their absences have been felt in several matches, particularly in the team’s defensive performances.

Nacho’s experience key to defence

Nacho Fernandez is expected to provide the biggest boost. The former Spain defender’s absence was particularly noticeable in Al Qadsiah’s 3-2 home defeat by Al Hilal, a result which saw them lose ground in the battle for top spot.

The team also lacked an experienced leader on the pitch in that match. Manager Brendan Rodgers highlighted the effect of Nacho’s absence when responding to a question from Asharq Al-Awsat after defensive errors contributed to the defeat.

Nacho is currently completing his rehabilitation from injury. Uruguay midfielder Nahitan Nandez is also expected to return, while defender Jihad Zakri’s injury ruled him out of the Saudi Arabia national team’s current training camp in Qatar.

Al Qadsiah will need those players as they face a crowded schedule after the international break, with Roshn Saudi League fixtures coinciding with their AFC Champions League Elite campaign.

Their meeting with Al Nassr on 4 December is one of the matches supporters are most eagerly anticipating. A victory would allow Al Qadsiah to move clear of Al Nassr on points or improve their position in the table, although both sides will play several games before then.

Al Qadsiah have enjoyed a strong record against Al Nassr since returning to the professional division. They won all four league meetings between the clubs over the past two seasons, both in Riyadh and Dammam, giving them a significant psychological advantage ahead of the next encounter.

Nacho is expected to be available for the match against Al Fayha on 27 November, which comes one game before the Al Nassr fixture. Nandez, however, may need more time before making his comeback.

Four competitions this season

Al Qadsiah are competing on four fronts: the Roshn Saudi League, AFC Champions League Elite, the Saudi Super Cup and the King Cup. The Saudi Super Cup will be held in Kuwait from 18 December, and Al Qadsiah are the only club from the Eastern Province involved in all four competitions.

There is also progress in the recovery of defender Walid Abdulwahab Al-Ahmed. He is expected to resume team training in December after completing treatment for the cruciate ligament injury he suffered against Al Ahli in the league in mid-March last season.

Al-Ahmed has spent about eight months undergoing rehabilitation.