Nassr call up Under-21 players for Al-Ahli clash during international break

Nassr have turned to their Under-21 squad to prepare for Friday’s Roshn Saudi League clasico against Al-Ahli, following the example set by city rivals Al-Hilal during the international break.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will visit Al-Ahli at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on Friday for the postponed fixture from the ninth round of the league.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Postecoglou has invited six players from Nassr’s Jawi Elite League Under-21 team to train with the first team. Three outfield players – Yousef Al-Tahan, Yassin Salam and Bassam Hazzazi – have been brought in to cover for senior players away with their national teams.

The Australian coach has also added three goalkeepers to the training group: Abdulhadi Al-Alwan, Sultan Al-Mas, and Khalid Al-Dosari.

Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Raghed Al-Najjar and Mubarak Al-Buainain are unavailable because of injuries, while Brazilian goalkeeper Bento is with Brazil during the current international window.

Young midfielder Abdulrahman Sufyani was also unavailable for selection, having suffered an ankle-joint injury which ruled him out of the Saudi Olympic team.

Postecoglou’s decision mirrors that of Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi, who has also used players from his club’s Under-21 squad to deal with a significant number of absences during the international break.

Nassr returned to training on Friday after a nine-day holiday granted by Postecoglou. They are third in the Roshn Saudi League with 28 points, two behind leaders Al-Hilal and level on points with second-placed Al-Qadsiah, who are ahead only on goal difference.

Al-Ahli sit sixth on 21 points, having recorded seven wins and four defeats. They are nine points behind Al-Hilal.

In the AFC Champions League Elite, Al-Ahli are sixth in the West Region group with eight points from two wins and two draws, and remain unbeaten. Nassr are seventh with six points from two victories and one defeat, with a game in hand against UAE club Al-Wasl.

Both clubs have also reached the last 16 of the King’s Cup. Al-Ahli beat Al-Anwar 2-1 in the round of 32 and will face AlUla at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Stadium in Medina on Monday, 11 January. Nassr advanced after a 4-1 Riyadh derby win over Al-Diriyah and will meet Al-Kholood at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on the same day.

The teams are also preparing for the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait. Al-Ahli will play Al-Qadsiah on 19 December, with Nassr facing Al-Kholood a day later. If both win, they will meet in the final on 23 December.