After a strong start without its captain, the club now heads into Friday’s Riyadh derby with a major question hanging over the team, and the answer could shape the way Ange Postecoglou approaches the contest.
Cristiano Ronaldo is once again at the center of attention as Al-Nassr prepares for its second Saudi Pro League match of the new campaign. After a strong start without its captain, the club now heads into Friday’s Riyadh derby with a major question hanging over the team, and the answer could shape the way Ange Postecoglou approaches the contest.
The uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo has been building since the beginning of the season. The 41-year-old missed Al-Nassr’s 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh in the league opener and was also left out of the King’s Cup win over Al-Diriyah, as the club managed his return following an extended break.
His absence was initially linked to limited preparation after returning from his post-World Cup break and wedding celebrations. More recently, reports indicated that Ronaldo had experienced discomfort involving a pelvic muscle issue, forcing him to train separately while Al-Nassr’s medical staff monitored his condition.
That made Friday’s match especially intriguing, with supporters waiting to discover whether the Portugal captain would finally make his first competitive appearance of the 2026-27 campaign. The latest reports have now provided the answer.
The work is done. Tomorrow, we play 💛 pic.twitter.com/Gn2fb4HtDV— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 20, 2026
Will Ronaldo play?
Ronaldo has been included in Al-Nassr’s squad for the trip to Al-Riyadh, meaning he is available to Postecoglou and is expected to make his season debut. The Portugal international has been included in the squad for Friday evening’s clash, as Saudi outlet Sportksanet has gone further by suggesting he is ready to start.
His return would represent a significant boost for a team that has already shown it can produce impressive attacking play without him. Al-Nassr opened its league campaign with a 3-0 win over Al-Fateh before recording a 4-1 victory over Al-Diriyah in the King’s Cup, giving Postecoglou a perfect competitive start.
Ronaldo’s presence could now add another dimension to an attack that has already benefited from the arrivals and performances of players such as Joao Felix, Angelo and Sadio Mane. The Portuguese forward remains the team’s biggest goalscoring weapon and is entering the campaign with the pursuit of 1,000 career goals still firmly in sight.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy
Ronaldo’s return comes at a useful time because Al-Nassr will be without several important players for the Riyadh derby. Reports indicate that Saad Al Nasser, Samu Costa, Mohamed Simakan, Mohamed Maran, Raghed Al Najjar and Abdulrahman Ghareeb are unavailable.
Al-Riyadh vs Al-Nassr: Projected lineups
Al Riyadh projected XI (4-3-3): Borjan; Al Essa, Al Khaibari, Abascal Barros, Hazazi; Lekhal, Al Jayzani, Mensah; Okou, Antunes, Trezeguet.
Al-Nassr projected XI (4-2-3-1): Bento; Boushal, Amri, Martinez, Al Najdi; Al Khaibari, Angelo; Coman, Felix, Mane; Ronaldo.