Al-Nassir’s Struggle Before Osaka Final: Losing Key Players Amidst High Stakes” “Jesus’ Fear of Repeating ‘Kneeling in Desperation’ Ahead of Crucial Match” “Psychological Test Harder Than Al-Hilal: Can Al-Nassir Survive Newcastle’s Nightmare?” “May 16: Will Al-Nassir Smile With Two Cups in One Day?” “Can Al-Nassir Win Two Titles in One Day – Continental and Domestic?

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Al Nassr’s title defense in Saudi Pro League has been thrown into chaos after five key players were ruled out ahead of their high-stakes showdown with Al Hilal, with the club now facing an existential psychological test as they prepare for a potential historic double in Osaka.

The Saudi champions lost three players to injury and two more through suspension ahead of their match against Al Hilal on May 16, with the club’s medical team confirming the absences in a statement to الشرق الأوسط. The blow comes just days before Al Nassr travel to Japan for the AFC Champions League final against Urawa Red Diamonds, where they would become the first Saudi club to win both domestic and continental titles in a single season.

Among the absentees is Jesus, the club’s star striker, whose absence looms largest given his pivotal role in the title race. In a rare interview with العربية, the forward admitted to grappling with the pressure of repeating his 2023 season-ending collapse, when he famously knelt on the pitch during a crucial match. “This is a psychological test harder than anything I’ve faced with Al Hilal,” he said. “If we lose these players, we lose the match before it even starts.”

“This is a psychological test harder than anything I’ve faced with Al Hilal.”

— Jesus, to العربية

The injuries and suspensions create a perfect storm for Al Nassr, who had already been tested by Al Hilal’s relentless campaign. The club’s medical team cited “severe muscle fatigue” for two unnamed players, while the other three—including a key defender—were suspended for breaches of team protocols, according to صحيفة الرياضية. The absences have forced manager Rafael Benítez to reshuffle his starting XI, with several young players thrust into unfamiliar roles.

Al Nassr’s title lead had been precarious even before the injuries. A late equalizer by Al Hilal in their previous league clash had left the champions just two points clear with one game remaining. The absence of their attacking firepower now raises questions over whether they can hold off Al Hilal’s late-season surge, particularly as the Red Devils have shown resilience in recent derbies.

If Al Nassr were to lose the league match, their focus would immediately shift to Osaka, where they would need to overcome Urawa Red Diamonds—a team known for their defensive discipline—to complete the domestic-continental double. The AFC Champions League final on May 18 would mark the culmination of a season where Al Nassr have already rewritten Saudi football history, becoming the first club to reach the continental final while also competing for the league title.

Benítez, who has navigated the club through multiple crises this season, faces his toughest challenge yet. “We’ve lost players, but we haven’t lost the spirit,” he told reporters. “The boys know what’s at stake. If we win this league, we go to Osaka as champions. If we don’t, we go as fighters.”

The stakes could not be higher. A league win would secure Al Nassr’s place in history, while a Champions League triumph would cement their status as Saudi football’s global ambassadors. With five key players absent and Al Hilal hungry for revenge, the next 48 hours will determine whether Al Nassr’s fairytale season ends in triumph—or heartbreak.

Al Nassr will look to bounce back from their injuries when they face Al Hilal at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh at 20:00 local time on May 16. The AFC Champions League final against Urawa Red Diamonds will take place at Panasonic Stadium Suita in Osaka, Japan, on May 18.