The curse of Al-Hilal strikes him: Al-Qadsiah star doubtful for Al-Nassr clash

Is the Oriental club about to lose its standout player?

The Al-Qadsiah star is a doubt for the awaited top-of-the-table clash against Al-Nassr once the current international break ends, having been struck by the curse of Al-Hilal.

Al-Qadsiah travel to face Al-Nassr on Friday 20 November at Al-Awwal Park in the Saudi capital Riyadh, in the fourteenth round of the Roshn League.

Saudi newspaper "Arriyadiyah" report that Al-Qadsiah are racing to get their Uruguayan Nahitan Nandez fit so he can play the match as normal.

Nandez picked up the injury during the 3-2 defeat to Al-Hilal on 23 October at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, in the eleventh round of the Roshn League.

That knock forced the Uruguayan midfielder to sit out three games for the eastern side: against Qatari clubs Al-Sadd and Al-Gharafa in the AFC Champions League Elite, and against Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Roshn League.

The injury also cost Nandez his place with the Uruguay national team during the current international break. He was left out to finish his rehabilitation programme.

According to the newspaper, Nandez is now working through an intensive rehabilitation programme in a private gym to be fit for the Al-Nassr match, a game that could prove decisive in the title race.

Al-Qadsiah sit second in the Saudi League on 25 points, ahead of third-placed Al-Nassr on goal difference and two points behind leaders Al-Hilal.