Surprise: Ronaldo left out of Al-Nassr's battle with Pakhtakor

The Al-Alami coach makes a decisive decision

Al-Nassr are preparing for another continental test on the road, and the coaching staff have made some notable calls before flying to Uzbekistan. The decisions reveal how Ange Postecoglou plans to manage the pressure of a packed schedule.

Results have been flowing for Al-Nassr. They won their first nine matches in the Saudi Pro League before drawing with Al-Ettifaq, then returned to winning ways against Neom and Al-Khaleej to reach 28 points. That leaves them second, level on points with leaders Al-Qadsiah.

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Postecoglou has left several of his biggest names out of the squad travelling to Uzbekistan for the clash with Pakhtakor in the AFC Champions League Elite. Chief among them is Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, alongside Frenchmen Mohamed Simakan and Kingsley Coman, according to Saudi newspaper "Al-Riyadiah".

Resting Ronaldo and his teammates is all about sparing the key players further fatigue. With matches coming thick and fast across multiple competitions, Postecoglou wants his stars physically fresh for what lies ahead.

Abdulrahman Sofyani comes into the squad in return, earning his place on the continental trip while the three headline names sit it out, according to Al-Riyadiah's account of the coach's choices before the journey to Uzbekistan.

Al-Nassr are banking on this rotation paying off in the AFC Champions League Elite. They want to stay in the hunt for the continental crown while also holding on to top spot in the Roshn League over the coming rounds.