Will Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al Nassr against Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League tonight?

Al Nassr’s new boss Stefano Pioli isn’t keen on facing Cristiano Ronaldo in every other game. To save the veteran’s energy for bigger clashes, Pioli is ready to go into battle without the captain, especially if it is a game outside the Saudi league. Pioli rested Ronaldo in the King Cup of Champions game against Al Wehda. Now another non-SPL encounter awaits the Knights of Najd as they play Qatar’s Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage today. So does this mean the Italian coach will once again consider resting the former Real Madrid and Manchester United megastar?

Al Nassr drew their first AFC game and have a good chance of finishing in the top eight of the group. To put it simply: Al Nassr can calmly take action against Al Rayyan. Does this give Ronaldo a pass? Let’s find out.

Here is the latest update on Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability against Al Rayyan

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action for Al Nassr in their final game against Al Wehda on Friday. The 39-year-old played 90 minutes and scored a point from a penalty. The winner of the 5-time Ballon d’Or also showed no signs of fatigue. So there is no reason why Ronaldo would miss the AFC Champions League clash against the Qatari team. After missing Al Nassr’s AFC opener due to a virus infection, the Portuguese icon is keen to start this year’s Champions League season. Rumors and reports from social networks close to the Saudi League suggest that Ronaldo will play against Al Rayyan.

Cristiano Ronaldo proved in pre-season that he can also be prone to injuries. Additionally, the virus he recently contracted has also affected certain matches in the SPL. Considering Al Nassr are facing a crowded game, Stefano Pioli could also call on Ronaldo for a minimal performance. He could perhaps come off the bench or be recalled early.

Now let’s take a quick look at the rigorous but enthralling schedule that Ronaldo and Al Nassr will have to complete after the Asian Champions League clash.

What’s next for Ronaldo and the Knights of Najd?

It is no exaggeration to say that the game against Al-Rayyan is the last game in which Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. were able to take it easy. Ronaldo’s experience and expertise will be in greater demand in the coming games, with Al Nassr playing five games in October. Within a week of the game against Al Rayyan, the yellow team will face Al Orobah in the Saudi League. CR7’s team has just risen to third place in the SPL. They would now focus on winning every game possible as a defeat could jeopardize their recent promotion back to the domestic league.

After that, the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner will have some respite as Al Nassr’s next SPL game will take place on October 18, 13 days after the Al Orobah game. But from then on, the Knights play three games in ten days, including an AFC Champions League game against Esteghlal and an SPL game against arch-rivals Al Hilal. Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising if Pioli took steps to keep Ronaldo at full energy going forward. Let’s see.