Al Nassr faces Al Akhdoud in the Saudi Pro League 2024-25 on Monday at the Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City in Najran.
The Riyadh-based side is placed in fifth place on the points table and has 60 points from 30 matches. It lost its previous league stage match against table-topper Al Ittihad 2-3.
Why is Ronaldo not in Al Nassr squad against Al Akhdoud?
Skipper Cristiano Ronaldo was not named in Al Nassr’s matchday squad for its Saudi Pro League fixture against Al Akhdoud.
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Media reports suggest that head coach Stefano Pioli possibly kept the Portuguese forward out of the squad because of physical exhaustion.
The former Real Madrid striker is coming off of consecutive losses with his side – against Ittihad and Japanese side Kawasaki – where he played out the entirety of those two matches.
The last time he was substituted off before the full time whistle was during the side’s win against Yokohama FM in the AFC Champions League Elite quarterfinals.
Moreover, Al Nassr being out of Saudi Pro League title contention could be a reason for Ronaldo being rested.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com