The 1-0 defeat to Al Ain in the first leg of the continental quarter-finals was followed by a 3-1 loss to Al Raed in a Saudi Pro League 2023/24 tie on Thursday, which all but shattered their title hopes.

Adding to head coach Luis Castro’s woes is a growing injury list with Anderson Talisca among those who were already sidelined ahead of the Al Raed match, with the Brazilian’s season over after having undergone surgery in Milan .

Sultan Al Ghannam and Aziz Behich also missed the Saudi Pro League tie while Ayman Yahya – who scored against Al Raed – also picked up a knock. Aymeric Laporte is suspended after being sent off in the first leg against Al Ain.

Castro, speaking after last week’s first leg loss, admitted that the injuries have taken a toll on his side but was adamant that Al Nassr will do their best to turn their fortunes around in the return encounter.

“We are halfway through this challenge and for now, qualifying for the semi-final looks difficult but we still have another 90 minutes in Riyadh,” said Castro.

Al Ain, meanwhile, will fancy their chances of getting the job done after their impressive first leg win.

Hernan Crespo’s side followed up that victory by qualifying for the UAE League Cup final, progressing after defeating Ittihad Kalba on penalties.

Crespo, who steered Qatar’s Al Duhail SC to the AFC Champions League 2022 semi-finals, expects his side to remain focused as they seek to win the title for a second time.

“We managed to get a well deserved win, and produced a good performance but the quarter-final match is not finished yet,” Crespo had said after the first leg.