Al Nassr will visit Al Okhdood On Monday for match day 31 by Saudi Pro League season 2024-25. However, fans were surprised when the squad list was released and Cristiano Ronaldo was not included, which raised concerns about his fitness and availability for the last stretch of the season.
The game comes just five days after Al Nassr’s loss of 3-2 to Karim Benzemas Al Ittihad – a result that effectively ended their title jumps. With little left to play for in the case of domestic cutlery, Head coach Stefano Pioli has made strategic decisions regarding his veteran stars.
Cristiano Ronaldo will sit out on Monday’s match and stay home, with Al Nassr who will meet the 17th place in the league. Al Okhdood is fighting for relegation, and Pioli prioritizes Ronaldo’s recovery for the last four matches in the campaign, where international qualification is still on line.
According to Saudi Media Personality Ali Alabdallh, Ronaldo did not train with the rest of the squad over the weekend. On Saturday, he reportedly spent his day between the medical clinic and the gym, which further signaled the club’s decision to handle its workload carefully.
Ronaldo is not the only remarkable absence. French defender Mohamed Simakan, who has presented in 37 games this season, was also left outside the squad to recover. Pioli seems to preserve key players for more crucial games to come.
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Al Nassr’s upward fight for AFC Champions League qualification
Back-to-back loss-First to Kawasaki Frontale in AFC Champions League and then to Al Ittihad in Saudi Pro League—Have tracked Al Nassr’s pursuit of cutlery this season. But the team still has an important goal: ensure international competition for 2025-26.
Only three Saudi clubs will qualify for the upcoming edition of AFC Champions League Elite. Currently, fifth is in the table, Al Nassr is facing a steep climb. With Al Ahli who secures one of the tracks by winning the current tournament, Ronaldo’s side must now reach second place to qualify.
That position is currently held by al hilelWhich has 68 points – eight more than Al Nassr. With four matches left, the pressure on Pioli’s squad is to end strongly and avoid ending the season without any major performance.
