Overview
- Cristiano Ronaldo was included in Al‑Nassr’s 21‑man travelling squad for the trip to Al‑Riyadh on Friday and is formally available for selection.
- The 41‑year‑old is recovering from a pelvic muscle issue after feeling discomfort in a team session and has followed an individual rehabilitation programme, training apart from the group.
- Postecoglou and the club’s medical staff are deliberating whether to start Ronaldo, use him as a late substitute, or rest him completely, with a final decision expected in the hours before kick‑off.
- Al‑Nassr will also be without several players for the match — Saad Al‑Nasser, Samu Costa, Mohamed Simakan, Mohamed Maran, Raghed Al Najjar and Abdulrahman Ghareeb — many rested for load management because of a congested schedule.
- The club has a confirmed King’s Cup Round of 16 home tie against Al‑Kholood on October 19 or 20 with late‑November alternatives, and reports say João Félix has agreed a two‑season extension that remains pending an official announcement as he continues to lead the attack.