Al Nassr rests Ronaldo, Coman, Simakan for Pakhtakor AFC Champions League match

Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou has decided to rest Cristiano Ronaldo, Kingsley Coman, and Mohamed Simakan for Monday's AFC Champions League Elite match against Pakhtakor in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Postecoglou cited match congestion and frequent travel as the reason for the rotation, emphasising the need to manage player fatigue during a demanding fixture schedule.

Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick in Al Nassr's 5–3 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Kholood on Thursday, October 29, is not injured but is being rested. The Portuguese forward's three goals brought his career tally to 985 goals across club and country, leaving him 15 goals short of 1,000. Young forward Abdulrahman Sufyani has been included in the travelling squad in his place. Ronaldo is expected to return for Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League match against Al Hazem on Friday, November 6.

Postecoglou confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the squad rotation reflects Al Nassr's commitment to the continental competition while balancing practical demands. The manager noted that the team has improved significantly since the start of the season, overcoming a difficult preparation period and a 4–0 opening loss to Al Ain, followed by a 3–1 home win over Neftchi Fergana. Al Nassr sit ninth in the AFC Champions League Elite West region with 3 points from two matches, having had their third match against Al Wasl postponed due to travel disruptions.

Despite Ronaldo's absence, Al Nassr will still field attacking talent including João Félix, who provided four assists in the Al-Kholood match, and Sadio Mané. Pakhtakor, the home side, remain winless in the league phase with two draws and one loss, and are seeking their first victory in the competition. The match kicks off at 8:45 a.m. ET at the Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium in Tashkent.