Nawaf Boushal cleared to rejoin Al Nassr training camp after World Cup injury scare

Al Nassr have been handed a timely boost at their pre-season camp in Lisbon, with Saudi Arabia international Nawaf Boushal set to link up with the squad after recovering from injury.

The Saudi Pro League side are currently in the second phase of their preparations for the new season in the Portuguese capital, where they have been based since 19 July. The camp is scheduled to run until 5 August.

According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, right-back Boushal has overcome the ankle ligament tear he sustained while representing Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The defender was injured during the goalless draw with Cape Verde in the third round of the group stage. Despite the squad’s international players being given time off following the tournament, Boushal remained in rehabilitation to complete his recovery programme.

Saudi quartet to arrive in Lisbon

Arriyadiyah reports that Boushal is due to join Al Nassr’s camp in Portugal on Saturday, travelling alongside his Saudi Arabia team-mates Nawaf Alaqidi, Abdulrahman Al Amri and Abdullah Al Khaibari.

On arrival in Lisbon, Boushal will undergo a medical assessment to confirm he is fully fit and ready to return to full training. The tests will determine when he can be involved in Al Nassr’s sessions and when he will be cleared to feature in upcoming friendly and competitive fixtures.

Al Nassr’s coaching staff are expected to monitor his condition closely, with the club keen to reintegrate the defender without risking a setback after his spell on the sidelines.

Pre-season schedule in Portugal

As part of their summer programme, Al Nassr are preparing for a series of friendlies in Portugal before heading back to Saudi Arabia.

They are scheduled to face Spanish side Merida in a friendly on 28 July, followed by a meeting with Portuguese club Estrela Amadora on 1 August.

The camp will conclude with a final warm-up match against Spanish outfit Almeria on 4 August, giving the coaching team further opportunities to assess fitness levels and tactical options ahead of the new campaign.

Mixed start to Al Nassr camp

Al Nassr’s time in Portugal began with an unexpected defeat, as they lost 2-1 to the reserve team of Portuguese giants Benfica.

That match saw several fringe players and non-regular starters given minutes, with the coaching staff using the opening fixture to evaluate squad depth and offer opportunities to players on the periphery.

The return of Boushal, once his medical checks are completed, is expected to strengthen Al Nassr’s defensive options for the remainder of the camp and into the start of the season.