The Jordanian sports scene breathed a sigh of relief after the official announcement of the successful precise surgery undergone by “Al-Nashama” forward Yazan Al-Naimat on Wednesday morning at the world-class “Aspetar” Hospital in Doha, to repair his knee’s cruciate ligament.

Al-Naimat (26) had paid a high price to reach the semi-finals, after suffering this serious injury during the “Derby Epic” against Iraq in the quarter-finals, which ended in Jordan’s favor (1-0). Despite his fighting spirit, which pushed him to endure the pain and attempt a return to play after the initial injury, the impact within the human wall aggravated the pain, forcing him to leave the field in tears at the 13th minute, making way for young substitute Awda Al-Fakhouri.

Al-Naimat’s absence is a painful blow to the “Al-Nashama” attack, especially since he forms a formidable duo with Musa Al-Tamari, contributing to Jordan’s historic Asian Cup achievement and World Cup qualification. The injury also temporarily halted his professional career, as his name was recently linked with serious negotiations with Egyptian football giant Al Ahly to secure his services.