Why Ronaldo Is Missing from Al Nassr’s Clash with Istiklol
So, there’s been a lot of buzz around Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League Two match against Istiklol, and naturally, the biggest question everyone keeps asking is: Why isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo playing? It’s a fair question, especially because Ronaldo has been in incredible form this season. But the answer, interestingly, is quite straightforward.
Also Read:For the entire AFC Champions League Two campaign so far, Ronaldo has been intentionally left out of the matchday squad. This isn’t due to an injury setback or any disciplinary reason. Instead, it’s part of a deliberate strategy by Al Nassr’s coach, Jorge Jesus. He explained earlier this season that Ronaldo, now 40 years old, is being rested during this second-tier continental competition to avoid unnecessary risks. With the team playing multiple matches in quick succession, the staff felt it was the safest move to preserve their star player’s fitness for more demanding fixtures.
Jesus was pretty direct about it, saying he believed this period was the right time to rest Ronaldo, especially to avoid any possible injuries that might arise from the packed schedule. And so far, that decision has actually been paying off. Even in Ronaldo’s absence, Al Nassr has been dominating the group, winning all four games and sitting comfortably at the top with 12 points. Their final group match will be against Al Zawraa on December 24, and with the top two teams advancing to the Round of 16 in February, their qualification looks very secure.
But Ronaldo isn’t the only major absence for this trip to Tajikistan. Jesus also decided to leave out Kingsley Coman, who is still recovering from an injury he picked up in the Roshn Saudi League. Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi was also not included in the squad, with Brazilian keeper Pinto Matheus set to start instead.
Despite these absences, the mood around Al Nassr remains confident. The team will head into the match determined to continue their winning streak, especially as they currently lead the Saudi Pro League with a flawless record—nine wins in nine matches. Ronaldo has been a huge part of that domestic success, scoring 10 goals in just nine league appearances.
So, while fans may be disappointed not to see Ronaldo on the pitch against Istiklol, his rest is part of a bigger long-term plan. The club is balancing its priorities, protecting its biggest star, and still managing to deliver strong performances on all fronts. In a way, it shows just how much depth and control the team has developed under Jorge Jesus.
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