Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to make his highly anticipated return to the pitch on Saturday evening when Al Nassr travel to face Al Fateh at Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium in Al Hofuf for Matchday 22 of the Saudi Pro League.
A Three-Game Absence Comes to an End
The 41-year-old Portuguese icon has not featured for Al Nassr since their victory over Al-Kholood on 30 January, sitting out matches against Al-Riyadh, Al-Ittihad, and Arkadag FK in what many described as a protest against the club’s ownership. Reports from multiple outlets, including Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sports, confirmed on Thursday that Ronaldo travelled with the squad and is set to be available for selection.
Ronaldo’s absence was widely linked to frustration with the Public Investment Fund’s transfer window decisions, particularly the move that saw Karim Benzema depart Al-Ittihad to join league leaders Al Hilal. The Portuguese star reportedly felt unsupported in his push for stronger squad reinforcements. He returned to training earlier this week, posting photos on social media with the caption “Locked in,” signalling the end of his standoff.
Al Nassr Rolling Without Ronaldo
Remarkably, Jorge Jesus’ side have thrived during the forward’s absence. Al Nassr won all three matches he missed without conceding a single goal, including consecutive Saudi Pro League victories over Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad, and a 1-0 AFC Champions League last-16 first-leg triumph against Arkadag FK. The club currently sit third in the standings with 49 points from 20 matches, just four behind leaders Al Hilal, with a game in hand.
Their seven-match winning streak has placed them firmly in the title conversation, and Ronaldo’s return adds yet another dimension to a squad already featuring Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, and Sadio Mane.
Al Fateh Fighting to Steady the Ship
The hosts enter this fixture in considerably less comfortable form. Al Fateh have gone six straight matches without a win, managing four draws and two defeats in that stretch. Their most recent outing ended in a 1-1 stalemate against Al Qadsiah. Sitting 10th in the table with 24 points, Jose Manuel Gomes’ side will be eager to halt their slide, though they face a formidable challenge against the in-form visitors.
Al Fateh do carry some home resilience, having lost just once in their last six league outings at Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium. However, Al Nassr’s attacking firepower, which has produced 51 goals this season — second only to Al Hilal’s 55 — suggests a difficult evening ahead for the hosts.
What to Watch For
All eyes will be on Ronaldo as he looks to reintegrate into an attack that has functioned impressively without him. His return comes at a pivotal stage of the season, with Al Nassr chasing down Al Hilal at the top and preparing for the second leg of their AFC Champions League knockout tie. The match kicks off at 8:30 PM Saudi time, and the footballing world will be watching to see whether the five-time Ballon d’Or winner can pick up exactly where he left off.
