Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League 2024-25 match against Al Akhdoud on Monday at the Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Najran without Cristiano Ronaldo.
After losing 2-3 to league leaders Al Ittihad, the Riyadh team is fifth in the points chart with 60 points from 30 matches. In addition to losing to Kawasaki in the AFC Champions League Elite stage, Al Nassr is out of the Saudi Pro League title race.
Why was Ronaldo excluded?
According to media sources, Al Nassr coach Stefano Pioli may rest Cristiano Ronaldo owing to physical tiredness. Recent encounters have seen the 39-year-old Portuguese star play the whole 90 minutes against Al Ittihad and Kawasaki.
Al Nassr’s quarterfinal win over Yokohama FM in the AFC Champions League Elite stage was Ronaldo’s last rest before full-time. Since then, he has played full matches, prompting fatigue worries as the season winds down.
Al Nassr is out of the title fight and doubtful about a direct AFC Champions League qualification, thus resting him may be a strategy to maintain his fitness for forthcoming matches or continental play-offs.
What’s next for Ronaldo and Al Nassr?
Al Nassr will try to regroup and finish strong in the Saudi Pro League to qualify for continental participation. Ronaldo is anticipated to return shortly, although the club will likely evaluate his condition first.
