Nawaf Al-Aqidi is expected to remain sidelined until around the end of December after undergoing surgery on an elbow injury, but the postponement of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup could give the Al-Nassr and Saudi Arabia goalkeeper time to recover and revive his international hopes.
Al-Aqidi suffered the injury during Saudi Arabia’s 1-0 victory over Kuwait in September at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah. The match was the opening fixture of the group stage at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, known as Gulf 27.
The injury ruled him out of the rest of the tournament, as well as Saudi Arabia’s international fixtures during the current November window. He has also been unavailable to Al-Nassr throughout the intervening period.
Al-Aqidi underwent surgery on his injured elbow in London on 16 October before beginning his rehabilitation programme. According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, he has now started recovery work at Aspetar in Doha, Qatar, with the aim of returning to competitive action.
The goalkeeper is expected to spend between four and six weeks following the programme. His daily schedule includes three hours of training before he undergoes an assessment by the doctor treating him.
That assessment will determine whether Al-Aqidi can resume normal training and matches or must continue his rehabilitation for a further period. Al-Nassr’s medical staff are monitoring his progress in coordination with the Saudi Arabia medical team, according to the Saudi national team’s account on X.
A return before the end of December appears unlikely. Had the 2027 AFC Asian Cup gone ahead as originally planned, that timetable would have meant Al-Aqidi missing the tournament.
Saudi Arabia was due to host the competition from 7 January to 5 February next year, with 24 teams taking part. However, the Asian Football Confederation postponed the tournament because of logistical circumstances affecting the country. It will now begin in December next year and run through to January 2028.
The revised schedule could allow Al-Aqidi to return at the beginning of next year and attempt to regain his starting position at Al-Nassr before seeking a place in the Saudi Arabia squad.
Al-Aqidi had already been unable to establish himself as Al-Nassr’s first-choice goalkeeper at the start of the current season. He had been serving as deputy to Brazilian goalkeeper Bento before his injury ruled him out of action altogether.
