Ronaldo left out of Al‑Nassr’s Uzbekistan clash – return slated for league match
Al‑Nassr travel to Tashkent without Cristiano Ronaldo
Saudi Arabian champions Al‑Nassr will head to Uzbekistan on 2 November for their AFC Champions League Elite encounter with Pakhtakor, but the squad will be without three of its most high‑profile players. Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, French winger Kingsley Coman and defender Mohamed Simakan have all been omitted from the travelling party by head coach Ange Postecoglou.
Why the star forward is staying behind
The decision follows a spectacular display by Ronaldo in the domestic league just a few days earlier. On 29 October the 41‑year‑old netted three times in a 5‑3 win over Al‑Kholood, taking his career total to roughly 985 goals – a mere 15 shy of the coveted 1,000‑goal mark. Despite the heroics, the coaching staff opted to rest him for the long journey to Central Asia, citing a rotation policy aimed at preserving the fitness of key players during a congested schedule.
Al‑Nassr’s current form
Under Postecoglou, who signed a two‑year contract in July, Al‑Nassr have been dominant in the Saudi Pro League. After 11 matches the side sit on 28 points, having recorded nine victories, one draw and a single defeat, keeping them firmly in the title race.
In contrast, the club’s continental campaign has been uneven. The Knights of Najd opened the AFC Champions League Elite with a 4‑0 loss to Al‑Ain, rebounded with a 3‑1 win over Neftchi Fergana, and have one postponed fixture against Al‑Wasl. With three points from two games, the upcoming match against Pakhtakor offers a chance to climb the West Region standings.
Who will travel?
Alongside the three senior players left out, the travelling list includes a number of regulars and one youngster: Abdulrahman Sufyani has been added to the squad, giving the forward a platform to impress on a big stage.
- Cristiano Ronaldo – omitted for rest and workload management.
- Kingsley Coman – also rested for the same reasons.
- Mohamed Simakan – left out as part of the rotation.
- Abdulrahman Sufyani – the only new face on the journey.
When can fans expect to see Ronaldo back?
Although he will miss the Uzbekistan fixture, the club has indicated that Ronaldo should be available for the league match against Al‑Hazem on 6 November. That game, an away encounter, is projected to be his first appearance in the Al‑Nassr shirt after the international break, pending final fitness checks.
Returning to domestic action will allow the Portuguese forward to continue his chase of the 1,000‑goal milestone while helping Al‑Nassr maintain pressure on rivals in the race for the Saudi league crown.
Looking ahead
Postecoglou’s approach reflects a broader trend among clubs juggling domestic and continental commitments: protect star players from fatigue, especially when long‑haul travel is involved. By sparing Ronaldo, Coman and Simakan for a single AFC Champions League tie, Al‑Nassr hope to keep their key assets fresh for the decisive phases of both competitions.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial. A strong performance in Tashkent could propel Al‑Nassr up the Asian ladder, while a swift return to form in the Saudi Pro League will keep their title ambitions alive. For Ronaldo, the next few matches may bring him closer to that historic 1,000‑goal benchmark that has captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
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