Al Nassr are navigating a difficult stretch that has exposed real vulnerabilities, both in defence and in squad depth. The club's most pressing concern is the injury to goalkeeper Nowaf Al Aqidi, who suffered a serious knock during Saudi Arabia's Gulf Cup campaign and faces up to five weeks on the sidelines. Al Nassr have already moved to address the gap by signing a replacement, but losing their first-choice keeper disrupts Ange Postecoglou's plans at a critical stage of the season.

On the pitch, the results tell a story of inconsistency. A heavy 4-0 defeat to Al-Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite was the low point of a recent run that also includes a 1-1 draw with Al Khalij and a narrow 2-1 win over Abha in the Saudi Pro League. The defensive numbers are a concern, with Al Nassr conceding nine goals across their last five matches. Postecoglou will need answers at the back before the problems compound.

Despite the turbulence, the club remain in the title picture. They sit third in the Saudi Pro League with 16 points from seven games, level with Al Qadsiah and one point behind leaders Al Ittihad. João Félix, who played a central role in last season's title win, has spoken publicly about his happiness at the club while also acknowledging a future desire to return to Europe. Al Nassr host Al Diriyah on October 9 at Al-Awwal Park, a fixture they will be expected to win as they look to rebuild momentum.