Ronaldo to miss Al-Nassr opener as Postecoglou reshapes XI
Ronaldo will not feature in Al-Nassr's Roshn League curtain-raiser against Al-Fateh, a decision attributed to manager Ange Postecoglou. The clash at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh marks the start of the new season, with Ronaldo having only recently returned to training after a month away.
Key takeaways
- Cristiano Ronaldo is not in the starting XI for Al-Nassr's first Roshn League match of the season.
- The opener is against Al-Fateh at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.
- Abdulelah Al-Amri and Nawaf Al-Aqidi are also unavailable for the match.
- Bento is expected to start as goalkeeper, with Simakan and Martinez in central defence and Al-Hamdan leading the attack.
- Al-Nassr won the Roshn League title last season.
What Happened
Al-Nassr are set to begin their Roshn League campaign against Al-Fateh at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. The squad will not include Cristiano Ronaldo for the opening fixture, a call reportedly made by manager Ange Postecoglou. Ronaldo had returned to training the day before, having been absent for more than a month since the end of Portugal’s World Cup campaign. Abdulelah Al-Amri and Nawaf Al-Aqidi are also ruled out of the opener due to injuries or selection decisions, with goalkeeper Bento expected to start. In defence, Mohamed Simakan and Inigo Martinez are positioned as the central pairing, while Abdullah Al-Hamdan is tipped to lead the line in attack. Al-Nassr enters the season aiming to defend the Roshn League title after clinching it last year.
Why It Matters
The decision to omit Ronaldo suggests a strategic rotation or rest ahead of the new season, potentially shaping how the team lines up for their first competitive match under Postecoglou. The absence of a high-profile forward in the opener could influence how Al-Nassr approach their attacking setup in the early stages of the campaign, while the return to training indicates Ronaldo is available for future fixtures if selected.
Background
Al-Nassr won the Roshn League title in the previous season, securing the championship after a seven-year gap. The upcoming match kicks off the new campaign as the club seeks to replicate or surpass that level of success, with personnel decisions around Ronaldo a focal point ahead of the opener.
Key Facts
- Match: Al-Nassr vs Al-Fateh
- Venue: Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh
- Competition: Roshn League (opening round)
- Ronaldo status: not in the expected starting XI for the opener
- Ronaldo return to training: the day before the opener, after >1 month away post-World Cup
- Other absentees: Abdulelah Al-Amri and Nawaf Al-Aqidi
- Goalkeeper for the opener: Bento
- Defence: Mohamed Simakan and Inigo Martinez
- Attack: Abdullah Al-Hamdan to lead the line
- Last season achievement: Roshn League champions
What Happens Next
The report notes Ronaldo’s return to training and frames his availability for subsequent fixtures as contingent on the manager’s selection. Further official lineups and updates from Al-Nassr or the Saudi press will clarify when Ronaldo is expected to feature in the campaign beyond the opener.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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