Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today? Al Nassr host Al Taawoun on Matchday 32 of 2024-25 Saudi Pro League

Al Nassr take on Al Taawoun in a pivotal Matchday 32 clash as questions loom over Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability and the team’s push to finish strong.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will host Al Taawoun on Matchday 32 of the 2024–25 Saudi Pro League in a pivotal clash that could shape their final position in the standings. While the club is no longer in contention for the league title, they remain focused on finishing the season as strongly as possible.

Although the title is already out of reach, Al Nassr still has the chance to improve its position in the standings. The team currently sits in fourth place with 63 points, just five points behind second place

Stefano Pioli’s squad has experienced an uneven run of form in the closing stretch of the campaign, and this fixture presents a valuable opportunity to secure critical points. One of the main storylines ahead of the match is the availability of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been a central figure for Al Nassr throughout the season.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play today for Al Nassr?

Despite the importance of the match, Cristiano Ronaldo is not expected to feature. According to reports, head coach Stefano Pioli has decided to exclude both Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohammed Simakan from the squad due to fitness concerns and their absence from recent training sessions. The move is intended to minimize injury risk and ensure both players can recover fully ahead of the final fixtures of the season.

The impact of Ronaldo’s absence

Without Ronaldo leading the line, Al Nassr will turn to key figures such as Sadio Mane and Anderson Talisca to provide attacking firepower. Mané has stepped up in recent weeks, most notably in the 9–0 demolition of Al Okhdood, where he netted four goals. While Ronaldo’s absence may disrupt the team’s usual attacking rhythm, it also opens the door for others to take on more responsibility.

Al Nassr probable lineup

Al Nassr is expected to start with Bento as the goalkeeper; Boushal, Al-Ghannam, Lajami, and Al-Fatil in defense; Al-Sulaihem, Otavio, Yahya, and Brozović in midfield; and Mane and Duran as the attacking duo. With Cristiano Ronaldo absent, the team will rely on Sadio Mane as their main offensive threat.

Al Nassr aiming for a strong finish

The match against Al Taawoun promises to be intense, with the visitors eager to capitalize on Ronaldo’s absence. The question remains: can Pioli’s men deliver without their talisman, or will Al Taawoun pull off a late-season upset?

From: bolavip.com