Ronaldo at the Helm as Al-Nassr Faces Taawoun with Seven Key Absences
24 January 2026
Absences Ahead of the Taawoun Clash
Absences hit Al-Nassr ahead of their highly anticipated Saudi Pro League clash.
Mane Returns and Injury Woes
The Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr, led a group of seven players who missed training ahead of the clash with Al-Taawoun. Al-Nassr will host Al-Taawoun on Monday at the clubs home ground, Al-Nass Park, in the closing fixtures of the eighteenth round, aiming to preserve momentum after a busy week of training and travel.
According to the Saudi daily Al-Riyadiya, the session saw Ronaldo and fellow defenders Inigo Martinez and Mohamed Simakan absent due to fatigue. The absence list extends beyond Ronaldo, forcing staff to lean on younger players to fill the gaps against a stubborn Taawoun.
That came just 48 hours after the trio featured in a 2-1 victory over Damac on Wednesday, at Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium, in the 17th round.
Four more players were sidelined by injuries: goalkeeper Raghid Al-Najjar, defender Abdulilah Al-Omri, midfielder Sami Al-Nujei, and winger Ayman Yahya.
The quartet remained in the clubs medical clinic, continuing their rehabilitation in the hope of returning to support the side soon.
Notably, winger Sadio Mane was with the squad, having returned to Riyadh after representing Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Experts say it might test the squad depth, but the leadership of Ronaldo could spark a surprise.
Punchline 1: If absence makes the heart grow fonder, Al-Nassr fans must be head over heels by now.
Punchline 2: Ronaldo may be missing, but his legend travels faster than any rumor — and faster than a substitute sprint.
