Cristiano Ronaldo returns to the Al-Nassr lineup for Friday’s high-stakes Saudi Pro League showdown against Al-Riyadh, handing boss Ange Postecoglou a massive weapon for the second game of the season. But while the Portuguese superstar is ready to make his highly anticipated season debut, the squad still has to fight through the absence of several heavy hitters.
The Riyadh club opened its title defence in convincing fashion, defeating Al-Fateh 3-0 before following that result with a 4-1 King’s Cup victory over Al-Diriyah. Ronaldo missed both matches while working his way back to full fitness, making his inclusion in the squad one of the biggest talking points ahead of Friday’s fixture.
Ronaldo’s availability had been uncertain after he experienced discomfort linked to a pelvic muscle issue during training. According to earlier reports from Arriyadiyah, the 41-year-old continued with an individual rehabilitation plan on Wednesday rather than joining the main group, leaving the club’s medical staff to assess him before the match.
That uncertainty has now been eased, with Ronaldo officially included in Postecoglou’s 21-man squad for the trip to Al-Riyadh. Arriyadiyah and the club reported the squad news on Thursday, confirming that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is available for selection.
Ronaldo had returned to Saudi Arabia following his wedding in Portugal and his extended post-World Cup break. His absence from the opening two matches created plenty of anticipation around his eventual return, and Friday could finally provide the answer for supporters waiting to see their captain back on the pitch.
Al-Nassr faces six-player absence
While Ronaldo’s return provides a significant boost, Al-Nassr is also dealing with six absences for the Al-Riyadh match. The missing players are Saad Al Nasser, Samu Costa, Mohamed Simakan, Mohamed Maran, Raghed Al Najjar and Abdulrahman Ghareeb.
The absence of Samu Costa and Mohamed Simakan is particularly notable, although their omission appears to be related to squad management rather than a major injury. Arriyadiyah reports that Postecoglou decided to rest the Portugal midfielder and France defender because of fatigue following the congested start to the season.
Samu Costa and Mohamed Simakan of team Al Nassr
The decision reflects the Australian manager’s desire to protect his players from muscle problems while navigating consecutive competitive fixtures. Costa and Simakan are therefore being managed carefully, rather than being ruled out because of a serious setback.
Ronaldo adds another dimension to Postecoglou’s attack
Ronaldo’s return gives Postecoglou another elite attacking option as Al-Nassr attempts to maintain its perfect start. The forward could potentially feature alongside Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman, and Sadio Mane, creating one of the most dangerous attacking groups in the Saudi Pro League.
Sadio Mane of Al Nassr celebrates with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo
The club’s first two results have already suggested that it can score freely without Ronaldo. Al-Nassr defeated Al-Fateh 3-0 in the league before producing another convincing performance against Al-Diriyah, winning 4-1 to advance in the King’s Cup.
However, Ronaldo’s presence changes the attacking dynamic. His goalscoring record and experience make him an obvious focal point, whether Postecoglou decides to start him immediately or gradually reintroduce him from the bench.
