Nassr expect Sultan Al-Ghannam to return from ACL injury in January

Sultan Al-Ghannam is nearing the end of his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, with the Nassr right-back expected to be fully available again in January.

Al-Ghannam has entered the final stage of his rehabilitation programme, according to a source familiar with the player’s situation who spoke to Al-Riyadiyah. He will complete that phase under the supervision of Nassr’s doctor in Riyadh after training resumes on 13 November.

The current medical expectation is that Al-Ghannam will be ready to return to full competitive action in January, providing a significant boost for Nassr as they continue their Saudi Pro League campaign.

The 31-year-old underwent surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament at the Aspetar sports medicine centre in Doha in June. The operation was performed under the supervision of Dr Khalid Al-Khalifa, after which Al-Ghannam began the first two stages of his rehabilitation programme at the same facility.

His injury occurred during the final of the AFC Champions League Two against Japanese side Gamba Osaka on 16 May. The match was played at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh and ended in a 1-0 victory for Gamba Osaka, who lifted the trophy.

Al-Ghannam was forced to leave the pitch for treatment during the final before returning to complete the match. The injury subsequently ruled him out for an extended period and led to his rehabilitation programme being divided into several stages.

His approaching return is regarded as important for Nassr because of his role in the team and his experience. Al-Ghannam joined the club in the summer of 2018 after moving from Al-Faisaly.

Nassr renewed his contract in October 2023, extending his stay with the club until 2028. His return will give the side another experienced option at right-back once he has completed the final part of his recovery and been cleared to resume full training and competition.

The club are listed to face Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League on 20 November 2026. Al-Ghannam’s projected January comeback means he is expected to remain absent for that fixture as he completes his rehabilitation in Riyadh.