Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição, the head coach of the Saudi Union team, is awaiting the final status of his player Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti before the anticipated match against Al-Nassr, as part of the Round of 16 of the King Abdulaziz Cup.

Al-Shanqeeti is undergoing precise technical tests during today's training session on Monday to determine his participation in tomorrow's match, as the coaching staff seeks to ensure his physical readiness after recovering from a recent injury.

The Saudi newspaper "Al-Riyadiyah" reported that Conceição will decide after the final training session whether to include the player in the starting lineup, given the team's need for all its elements in the tough match against Al-Nassr.

Al-Shanqeeti had returned to group training in recent days after recovering from a hamstring injury that had kept him out of participation since the match against Al-Najma in the third round of the Saudi Professional League.

Al-Shanqeeti is considered a key piece in the Union's defensive system, as Conceição relies heavily on him on the right side due to his speed, tactical discipline, and ability to support the attack.

The medical and technical staff hope for the player to be fully ready before the match against Al-Nassr, given the importance of the encounter in the team's journey in the tournament, especially after the recent loss in the league, which the club aims to compensate for with a significant morale-boosting victory.

If Al-Shanqeeti is unable to participate, Conceição will look to prepare the most suitable substitute to ensure defensive balance, amid a strong desire among the players to continue competing for the King’s Cup title and achieve victory over one of their toughest opponents.