Reports of Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Saudi Arabia following escalating tensions in the Middle East proved inaccurate, with Al Nassr confirming the Portuguese captain’s continued presence through social media posts. While initial reports suggested a private jet belonging to Ronaldo had landed in Madrid, the 39-year-old remains in Riyadh, training with his teammates amidst regional instability. This clarification comes as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) grapples with rescheduling matches due to the ongoing conflict, impacting teams across the continent, including Al Nassr.
However, Ronaldo’s presence in Riyadh doesn’t necessarily translate to immediate availability on the pitch. Al Nassr announced on Tuesday that the forward has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury sustained during their weekend victory over Al Fayha. The club stated he has begun a rehabilitation program, with his recovery to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, casting doubt on his participation in Saturday’s match against Neom. This injury adds another layer of complexity to Al Nassr’s title aspirations as they navigate a challenging period both on and off the field.
The weekend win against Al Fayha, despite a missed penalty from Ronaldo, propelled Al Nassr to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings, two points ahead of Al Ahli. Victory was secured thanks to a Kingsley Coman goal, an Orlando Mosquera own goal and a strike from Abdullah Al Hamddan, set up by Joao Felix. Felix, a summer signing from Chelsea, has been in impressive form, contributing to 22 goals (13 goals and nine assists) in 24 league games, and expressed his team’s determination to secure the league title after the match. “I just want to have the league title – that’s the most important,” Felix said, as reported by various outlets. “Then that comes after. But I’m just here to fight for the title.”
With Ronaldo sidelined, the onus will fall on Sadio Mané, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman to provide the attacking firepower for Al Nassr. Mané, fresh off a successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Senegal, has found the net four times in eight games since his return. Al Nassr’s impressive run of 10 consecutive league wins demonstrates their momentum, mirroring their strong start to the season. Neom, currently eighth in the league, pose a less significant threat, making an 11th straight win crucial for maintaining their title challenge.
Sea Derby Set to Ignite Jeddah
This week’s round of matches in the Saudi Pro League are currently scheduled to proceed despite the broader regional security concerns, whereas competitions in Qatar and Bahrain have been suspended. The highly anticipated “Sea Derby” between Al Ahli and Al Ittihad in Jeddah promises to be a particularly captivating encounter. Al Ahli, trailing league leaders Al Nassr by just two points, have the opportunity to reclaim the top spot with a victory over the reigning champions. Al Ahli secured a win in their last match against Al Riyadh thanks to a Milan Borjan own goal, while Al Ittihad relied on a goal from Danilo Pereira to overcome Al Khaleej. Both teams enter the derby in good form, having remained undefeated in their last four games.
The suspension of AFC Champions League matches due to airspace closures allows Al Ahli to fully concentrate on their domestic title pursuit. While Al Ittihad’s title defense hasn’t gone as planned, they will undoubtedly be motivated to disrupt their rivals’ ambitions. The atmosphere at King Abdullah Sports City is expected to be electric as these two Jeddah giants clash in a pivotal match for the Saudi Pro League crown.
Concerns for Al Hilal Despite Recent Win
Al Hilal secured a crucial victory last Friday, defeating Al Shabab 5-3 in a high-scoring thriller. However, despite returning to winning ways after consecutive draws, concerns remain about their squad depth and defensive vulnerabilities. Simone Inzaghi’s side now trail Al Nassr by three points, having previously held a seven-point lead. Injuries to key players like Ruben Neves, Hassan Tambakti, and Karim Benzema have further compounded these concerns, placing greater responsibility on Saudi internationals Mohamed Kanno and Sultan Mandash.
Al Hilal’s inability to maintain clean sheets – they haven’t recorded one in their last four games across all competitions – is a growing worry for Inzaghi. The team’s defensive frailties could prove costly as the season progresses and the competition for the title intensifies.
The Saudi Pro League season is reaching a critical juncture, with Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Hilal all vying for the championship. Ronaldo’s injury adds an unexpected twist to the narrative, but Al Nassr’s depth and the form of players like Mané and Felix will be crucial in their pursuit of a first league title in seven years. The coming weeks promise to be filled with drama and excitement as the battle for supremacy unfolds.
The league’s continued operation amidst regional instability highlights its resilience, but the situation remains fluid. Fans and stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments as the season progresses. Share your thoughts on the title race and the impact of recent events in the comments below.
