No Ronaldo, No Problem: Neom’s Depth Takes Center Stage

Neom's Coach on Ronaldo's Absence

Christophe Galtier, Neom's coach, said his side is fully prepared to face Al Nassr, stressing that Ronaldo's presence or absence does not matter to him.

Friday Night in the Saudi Pro League

The remaining 25th round of the Saudi Pro League sees Al Nassr hosting Neom Friday night.

Ronaldo will miss the game due to a hamstring issue sustained against Al-Fayha last week, with the game ending 3-1 for Al Nassr.

Galtier said Ronaldo remains one of the world's best, but the plan won't change; the team can rely on Sadio Mane or Joao Felix in a central forward role if needed.

He added that the method won't alter with Ronaldo or without him and that the squad is fully prepared for the anticipated clash.

The coach warned the match won't be easy, and Neom will enter with the aim of victory and strong play, despite injuries to center-backs Ahmed Hegazi and Khalifa Al-Doseri.

He said he decided to trust Mohammed Al-Buraik and Awn Al-Salouli in the defensive line instead of Hegazi and Al-Doseri, aiming to show his team's character.

Owing to Ronaldo's absence, the hamstring issue left him out of the fixture in the last round against Al-Fayha.

Bottom line: no Ronaldo, still a drama-free derby.

Yes, the bench has jokes.