Al Nassr Coach Ange Postecoglou Confirms Cristiano Ronaldo Ready for Extended Play Ahead of Al Taawoun

Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou has delivered a positive fitness update on Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Friday’s Matchday 4 encounter with Al Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League.

During his press conference, Postecoglou indicated that Ronaldo is now prepared to take on a larger workload after a gradual reintegration into match action during the club’s early fixtures.

“For me, though, those 45 minutes were good because now we know that he is ready to play more than 45 minutes,” Postecoglou said, referencing Ronaldo’s first‑half performance before being substituted at half‑time in Al Nassr’s dramatic comeback win over Al Ettifaq. “I know he feels physically in good condition now, so he is ready for tomorrow’s game,” he added.

The announcement caps a careful recovery for the 41‑year‑old, who began the season with a 30‑minute appearance and was gradually increased to 45 minutes against Al Ettifaq. Postecoglou emphasized that the approach had always been managed cautiously, despite Ronaldo’s desire to stay on the pitch longer after Al Nassr were reduced to ten men.

With Ronaldo now considered fully fit, Al Nassr will aim to build on their comeback victory over Al Ettifaq when they host Al Taawoun. Postecoglou’s comments suggest the forward could feature for a longer duration in that fixture, as the club looks to keep pace near the top of the Saudi Pro League table.

Al Nassr get a vital piece back in defense

Mohamed Simakan is set to return for Al Nassr’s match against Al Taawoun, providing Postecoglou with a key defensive option after the French centre‑back missed the recent fixtures against Al Riyadh and Al Ettifaq due to a minor hamstring strain.

Simakan is expected to rejoin Inigo Martinez in the heart of the defence, restoring the experienced partnership that has anchored Al Nassr’s backline through the early stages of the Saudi Pro League season.

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