Diriyah vs Al Nassr: As Al-Nassr FC gear up for a crucial King Cup of Champions fixture against Diriyah Club, a question mark remains on the availability of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese icon rejoined the squad last week after his marriage to Georgina Rodriguez. Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League opener against Al Fateh, watching from the stands as the club began the Ange Postecoglou era with a 3-0 victory. With the King’s Cup now on the agenda, attention has turned to whether the 41-year-old forward will make his competitive return.
Cristiano Ronaldo Latest Update: Will The Al Nassr Star Play Against Diriyah?
Cristinao’s Ronaldo’s absence from the Saudi league opener was linked to his limited preparation after returning from his wedding celebrations. Postecoglou opted not to risk his star forward as Al-Nassr comfortably defeated Al Fateh through goals from Angelo Gabriel, Joao Felix and Samu Costa.
The situation is different for the King’s Cup clash, with Ronaldo having returned to training before the knockout fixture. However, there has been no definitive confirmation that he will start against Diriyah. His availability is therefore expected to remain one of the major talking points until the official Al-Nassr line-up is announced.
Ronaldo remains central to Al-Nassr’s attacking plans. He scored 28 goals across all competitions last season, including 26 in the Saudi Pro League, and is approaching the 1,000-goal milestone in his extraordinary career.
Diriyah vs Al Nassr Preview: Team News And Key Details
Al-Nassr enter the King’s Cup after making an impressive start under Postecoglou. The Riyadh club are the reigning Saudi Pro League champions and will now begin their domestic cup campaign against newly promoted Diriyah.
The match gives Postecoglou another opportunity to assess his squad, with Joao Felix already making an immediate impact after scoring in the 3-0 league victory. Sadio Mane and other attacking options also provide the manager with alternatives should Ronaldo be rested or begin on the bench.
Diriyah, meanwhile, face a formidable challenge against the reigning league champions. The two sides have met previously in the King’s Cup, with Al-Nassr winning their last encounter 7-0.
