Cristiano Ronaldo has endured a troublesome stretch of outcomes at Al Nassr, watching his aspect relinquish the highest spot within the Saudi Professional League through the 2025–26 season after a historic begin. With league leaders Al Hilal up subsequent in a vital six-point showdown, the Portuguese famous person has obtained a serious enhance as a key teammate returns from damage.
After opening the season with a record-setting run of 10 straight wins, Al Nassr have struggled to keep up that momentum in latest weeks. A 2-2 draw in opposition to Al Ettifaq was adopted by back-to-back defeats to Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah for the reason that begin of 2026, a skid that has value Ronaldo’s aspect useful floor within the title race.
Defender Mohamed Simakan has now returned to coaching and is anticipated to be out there for choice in opposition to Al Hilal. The French heart again suffered a hamstring damage throughout a coaching session on December 23 and has been sidelined since, however his return locations him again in head coach Jorge Jesus’ plans at a essential second.
Native outlet Al Riyadhiah beforehand reported that Simakan would bear an “intensive rehabilitation program” and was anticipated to overlook as much as 4 weeks, together with the Al Hilal conflict. Nevertheless, racing in opposition to the clock, the defender has progressed sooner than anticipated and has rejoined full group coaching forward of schedule.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Simakan and Sadio Mane of Al Nassr
Al Hilal, now sitting atop the SPL standings with 35 factors, not too long ago overtook Al Nassr within the title race. Below new head coach Simone Inzaghi, appointed in June, Hilal boast the league’s second-most potent assault with 35 objectives in 13 matches (simply behind Al Nassr’s 38) making Simakan’s defensive return notably important as Ronaldo seems to be to halt his group’s slide.
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Al Nassr’s stark distinction with Simakan on the pitch
Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2024, Simakan has established himself as considered one of Al Nassr’s most dependable performers. He has made 54 appearances for the membership, contributing three objectives and three assists, and this season has fashioned a central defensive partnership with former Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez.
Within the 2025-26 Saudi Professional League, Simakan featured in eight matches from Matchday 1 by means of Matchday 9, lacking just one recreation in opposition to Al Fayha as a result of relaxation. Throughout that stretch, Al Nassr gained each match and conceded simply 4 objectives, highlighting their defensive solidity with the Frenchman within the lineup.
Against this, throughout the 4 league matches Simakan missed whereas recovering from damage, Al Nassr recorded one win, one draw, and two losses, conceding seven objectives. Greater than half of the 12 objectives they’ve allowed all season got here throughout that temporary span, underscoring the dramatic defensive drop-off with out Simakan and the significance of his return forward of the showdown with Al Hilal.
