In a blow to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, their key right-back Sultan Al-Ghannam is set to be sidelined following an injury he sustained during their recent match against Al-Orobah. Reports suggest that the defender will miss between 10 days to two weeks of action, leaving the Saudi Pro League team with a critical void to fill as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.
The timing of the injury comes during a pivotal point in the season, with Al-Nassr’s ongoing campaign in both the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League. Despite this, the team can breathe a sigh of relief that no major clashes are scheduled during the international break, giving Al-Ghannam a chance to recover without missing many crucial matches.
Early Injury Setback for Sultan Al-Ghannam
Al-Ghannam’s injury occurred during Al-Nassr’s commanding 3-0 victory over Al-Orobah on October 5, a match that saw Cristiano Ronaldo lead the charge. Ronaldo opened the scoring by converting a penalty in the 17th minute and later assisted Sadio Mane, who netted twice to secure the win. However, the joy of the triumph was slightly dimmed when Al-Ghannam, who has been a crucial part of the team’s defense, was forced off the field just 20 minutes into the game. He was replaced by Salem Al-Najdi.
Al-Ghannam’s contributions this season have been significant. The 30-year-old has featured in all 11 of Al-Nassr’s matches across all competitions, providing not only defensive solidity but also an attacking threat. He has already scored one goal and provided three assists this term, showing his importance to Stefano Pioli’s tactical setup.
A Key Figure in Pioli’s Plans
Since taking over the managerial role, Stefano Pioli has overseen an impressive transformation at Al-Nassr, and Al-Ghannam has been integral to the team’s defensive unit. His ability to bomb forward and support attacks while maintaining defensive discipline makes him a crucial part of the squad. Losing him, even for a short period, could affect the team’s balance as they navigate their dual commitments in the league and continental competition.
Pioli has guided the Knights of Najd to five consecutive victories since replacing Luis Castro, with the team moving to third place in the Saudi Pro League standings.
Al-Ghannam’s absence could be felt as they aim to build on this momentum after the international break.
The Road Ahead for Al-Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo
Once the international break concludes, Al-Nassr will face some critical fixtures, starting with a top-four clash against Al-Shabab on October 18. This match will be pivotal in their title race as they continue to chase Al-Hilal, who are four points ahead at the top of the table.
Following the Al-Shabab showdown, Al-Nassr will turn their attention to the AFC Champions League, where they are set to travel to Iran to face Esteghlal FC on October 22. Currently sitting fourth in the west region of the AFC Champions League with four points from two matches, Ronaldo and his teammates will need to maintain their winning form to advance in the competition.
Al-Ghannam’s absence for these games, particularly the crucial AFC Champions League fixture, could force Pioli to make tactical adjustments, possibly relying more heavily on Salem Al-Najdi or other squad members to fill the void.
Al-Nassr’s Form Under Pioli
Under the guidance of Stefano Pioli, Al-Nassr has become an attacking powerhouse. Cristiano Ronaldo has been pivotal in this resurgence, scoring goals and setting up teammates like Sadio Mane, who has also been a standout performer this season.
The club’s recent 3-0 victory over Al-Orobah showcased their dominance, with Ronaldo and Mane orchestrating the attack in lethal fashion.
With this form, Al-Nassr will be confident heading into their post-break fixtures, but they’ll have to ensure their defense remains sturdy in Al-Ghannam’s absence.
While Sultan Al-Ghannam’s injury is a setback for Al-Nassr, the timing of the international break offers a window for recovery without losing too much ground in the league. As the team continues to fight on multiple fronts—domestically and in the AFC Champions League—they’ll need to rely on their depth and experience to navigate this period.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates will be hopeful that Al-Ghannam can return quickly, especially with crucial fixtures looming large on the horizon. For now, Al-Nassr fans will watch closely, knowing that every match counts as they chase glory on all fronts.
With Pioli at the helm and Ronaldo leading the attack, Al-Nassr’s ambitions remain high despite the recent injury woes.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.