Al Nassr’s first Roshn Saudi League game in 2024 is just a few hours away. The Knights of Najd face a stern test against Al Fateh. Club Captain Cristiano Ronaldo said about the team’s targets, “We will be able to achieve what we want.” However, the road to success just got a lot harder, as they will be without David Ospina and Abdul Rahman Ghareeb. The injury to Ospina, in particular, is a big blow following the existing troubles regarding the goalkeeper spot.

Recent reports have confirmed that both Ospina and Ghareeb will be absent because of injuries. Ghareeb reportedly picked up an injury in a training session. The timeline for his recovery is around 3 weeks. This means that he would potentially be back for the game against Al Raed on March 7th. A big blow for all parties, including Cristiano Ronaldo!

Yes, you heard it right. CR7 was reportedly impressed by the youngster’s quality and even praised his solo goal recently in private. Furthermore, the soccer icon even gave the youngster a penalty kick in his presence! With 6 goal contributions in 18 league games, the rapid winger has been an important player for Al Nassr this campaign.

On the other hand, the injury nightmare seems to continue for Ospina. The veteran goalkeeper has played just 14 times for the Knights of Najd. Injuries have plagued his time at the club with an elbow injury keeping him on the sidelines for nearly a year. However, his current injury is a bad blow considering the absence of Nawaf Al-Aqidi.

2 Al Nassr players- including Nawaf Al-Aqidi are already suspended

Ahead of their AFC Champions League tie against Al Feiha, Al Nassr received an unfortunate news update. 3 of their players had not joined the National team camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup. The names were Al-Aqidi, Mohammed Moran, and Sultan Al-Ghannam. An investigation was conducted and those 3 players received fines. Moreover, Sultan Al-Ghannam and Al Aqidi received suspensions.

Al Nassr vs. Al Fateh: Expected Lineups, Injury News, & How To Watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s 1st Saudi Pro League Game in 2024

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Nawaf Al-Aqidi is serving a 5-month suspension. This means his season for Al Nassr is effectively over. The goalie’s impressive form had kept Ospina out of the team even when fit. Hence, the suspension was a great opportunity for the Colombian goalkeeper to claim his place, and possibly a new contract.

However, his latest injury means Raghid Al-Najjar will likely be the starting goalkeeper for now. It could also signify the end of Ospina’s time in the Middle East, as the upper management will be hesitant to extend the services of an injury-prone player.

Can Al Nassr emerge victorious over Al Fateh? Have your say in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Jr’s Insane Training Schedule