[Saba Sports News] According to Saudi media reports, a flu outbreak has occurred inside Al Nassr, with many players affected. The influenza virus has sidelined multiple first-team players of Al Nassr. Sadio Mané was unable to finish the full training session on Sunday due to illness.
Besides Mané, winger Kingsley Coman, centre-back Mohamed Simakan, midfielder Marcelo Brozović, right-back Sultan Al-Ghannam and midfielder Ali Al Hassan have also contracted the flu. Unlike Mané, however, these five players insisted on completing training at the Victory Home Training Centre under manager Jorge Jesus, preparing for the crucial Matchday 30 clash against Al-Ahli in the Saudi Professional League. As the league leaders, Al Nassr resumed training on Saturday. Earlier, they claimed a dominant 5-1 away win in the AFC Champions League Two on Wednesday and secured a spot in the final. The squad were then given a two-day holiday afterwards.
The editor believes that the six players most likely contracted the flu collectively due to drastic climate and environmental changes after returning to Riyadh. At present, the coaching staff is closely monitoring their recovery progress in the final two days ahead of the derby clash.