Overview
- Al-Nassr left Cristiano Ronaldo out of the matchday squad for the Roshn League opener because Postecoglou judged him short of match fitness after an extended post-World Cup break and a private wedding.
- Al-Nassr beat Al-Fateh 3-0 on Saturday with first-half goals from Angelo Gabriel and João Félix and a late strike by debutant substitute Samu Costa.
- Postecoglou publicly described Ronaldo as 'always ready' yet stressed selection would depend on fitness and preparation rather than status.
- Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi was reported to be carrying a shoulder issue so Bento started in goal, and left-back Saad Al-Nasser left the game after 17 minutes with an injury.
- Ronaldo has returned to training and is widely expected to be available for selection around Aug 21, a timeline that hands Postecoglou time to manage rotation as Al-Nassr begin a congested campaign.