Will Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr against Al-Kholood? Journalist provides update
Journalist Ali Alabdallh believes Cristiano Ronaldo will be rested for Al-Nassr's next Saudi Pro League match against Al-Kholood on Friday (October 25). The aforementioned reporter provided an update about the Portuguese superstar's situation on his X account (formerly Twitter).
The 39-year-old striker is a crucial component of his team, having featured in every single league fixture so far this campaign. Ronaldo has made 11 appearances across competitions for the Riyadh-based outfit, bagging nine goals and three assists.
However, it looks like the former Manchester United attacker will be rested in his side's upcoming tie. Speaking about the same, Alabdallh wrote on X:
"Urgent - Officially:
Pioli decides to rest Cristiano Ronaldo from tomorrow's match."
The absence of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could be detrimental to Al-Nassr keeping up with their competitors in the chase for the Saudi Pro League title. Currently, Ronaldo and Co. are placed third in the league standings, four points behind leaders Al-Hilal after seven matches. They're also a point short of Al-Ittihad, who sit second in the table.
Since coming to Saudi Arabia in January 2023, Ronaldo has failed to win the top-flight league in the country. Last year, his team finished second, 14 points behind winners Al-Hilal. The year before, they fell five points short of champions Al-Ittihad and ended their season in second place.
Following his move to Al-Nassr after having his contract mutually terminated at Manchester United, Ronaldo has made 75 appearances across competitions. From those matches, he's scored 67 goals and bagged 18 assists.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr eyeing a move for former Manchester United star - Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo could be reuniting with former Manchester United teammate Paul Pogba, according to reports from TeamTalk. The Frenchman is set to return to footballing action in March after his four-year doping ban was reduced to 18 months on appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The former Juventus midfielder is also allowed to return to first-team training in January, which may prompt several teams to sign the player in the winter. According to this report, Al-Nassr, along with Los Angeles FC of the MLS, are considering moving in for the 31-year-old free agent.
If Pogba decides to move to the Saudi Arabian side, he would reunite with Ronaldo, a player with whom the midfielder has played 21 matches across competitions. It is also stated that the World Cup winner could be approached by Marseille, earning him the chance to remain in Europe.