Ronaldo to miss Al-Nassr's Asian Champions League match

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of the matchday squad for the upcoming Asian Champions League Round 4 away fixture against Pakhtakor.

Operativ Media reports that this was announced by the Saudi Arabian club's head coach, Ange Postecoglou.

The manager attributed the decision to a congested fixture schedule and frequent travel, stating he decided to rest key players Cristiano Ronaldo, Kingsley Coman, and Seko Simakan. Goal reported the statement citing the head coach.

Notably, the 41-year-old Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in a 5-3 Saudi Pro League victory against Al-Kholood overnight on October 30, bringing his career goal tally to 985.

The Pakhtakor–Al-Nassr match will take place on November 2 in Tashkent. The Saudi Arabian side has collected 3 points from two matches and sits 9th in the West Zone of the Asian Champions League.