Ronaldo rested as Al Nassr reshape travelling squad for Pakhtakor test

Al Nassr will face Pakhtakor in the AFC Champions League Elite on 02 November 2026 without Cristiano Ronaldo, Kingsley Coman and Mohamed Simakan after coach Ange Postecoglou left the three senior players out of the squad travelling to Uzbekistan.

The decision, reported by Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya, comes as Al Nassr prepare for another away trip during a demanding run of fixtures. Postecoglou is understood to be managing his key players’ workload as the club compete on several fronts.

Ronaldo, along with France internationals Coman and Simakan, will miss the meeting with Pakhtakor as the coaching staff seek to avoid placing further physical strain on the team’s leading players. The aim is to keep the squad’s main figures fit and ready for the challenges that follow.

Abdulrahman Al-Sufyani has been included in the travelling party, giving him the opportunity to accompany the team for the continental fixture. The decision means Al Nassr will be without three of their most prominent players for the match.

Al Nassr have made a strong start to the Saudi Roshn Saudi League season. They won their opening nine matches before drawing with Al Ettifaq, then returned to winning ways against Neom and Al-Kholood.

Those results have taken them to 28 points and second place, level on points with leaders Al Qadsiah.

Their AFC Champions League Elite campaign began with a heavy setback, when they were beaten 4-0 by Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates in the opening round. Al Nassr responded in the second round by defeating Uzbek side Neftchi 3-1.

Their third-round fixture against Al Wasl, also of the United Arab Emirates, was postponed, according to the AFC.

The match against Pakhtakor therefore represents Al Nassr’s next continental test, with the club hoping that rotating the squad and resting key players will help maintain their challenge for the Asian title.

Postecoglou’s side are also seeking to remain near the top of the Saudi Roshn Saudi League in the coming rounds. The coaching staff’s selection for the trip reflects the need to balance that domestic campaign with Al Nassr’s pursuit of progress in the AFC Champions League Elite.