Al-Nassr vs Abha: Cristiano Ronaldo Confirmed to Start as Lineups Announced Amid Injury Crisis

Al-Nassr returns to Saudi Pro League action on Wednesday seeking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season. Manager Ange Postecoglou faces key selection dilemmas ahead of the clash with Abha, aiming to balance squad rotations while maintaining momentum near the top of the standings.

Al-Nassr has secured 12 points from their opening five league fixtures, whereas Abha has struggled immensely, collecting just a single point and occupying the bottom of the table. Facing opponents in vastly contrasting form, the spotlight will be on Postecoglou as he looks to make the correct tactical adjustments to restore winning momentum.

Al-Nassr began their campaign with four successive league victories before suffering a 2-1 away defeat against Al-Ittihad in the previous matchday. George Ilenikhena scored a brace for the hosts, and although Angelo Gabriel pulled one back, Al-Nassr was unable to find a late equalizer despite mounting sustained pressure.

While the loss ended a four-match winning streak, it did little to tarnish an otherwise impressive start to the season. Al-Nassr has netted 13 goals and conceded just five in their five league outings, remaining undefeated in both of their home fixtures so far.

This fixture presents an ideal opportunity for Al-Nassr to respond positively. Their opponents, Abha, have struggled immensely, failing to secure a single win in their opening five matches. Abha has recorded four losses and one draw, scoring just four goals while conceding eleven.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play against Abha?

Despite the recent setback and various squad challenges, Cristiano Ronaldo is confirmed to start against Abha. The Portuguese icon has scored twice in four league appearances this season and remains the central figure in an attack that has yielded 13 goals.

Ronaldo will be supported in attack by Ayman, with Sadio Mané, Angelo Gabriel, and Samu Costa also retaining their starting roles. João Félix was initially in line to partner the Portuguese star, but his fourth yellow card of the season during the Al-Ittihad clash has ruled him out due to suspension.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.

This suspension represents a major blow given the impressive start Félix has had in his Al-Nassr career. The Portuguese attacker had registered two goals and two assists in five league appearances but will now be forced to watch from the sidelines as Ronaldo leads the line.

Al-Nassr hit by triple blow

Postecoglou is also dealing with injury concerns in the squad. Kingsley Coman is expected to miss the match after suffering a hamstring injury during the defeat to Al-Ittihad, which forced him off just after the hour mark.

Medical assessments indicate that Coman will require at least seven days of rest, with the French winger potentially aiming for a return around Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite opener against Al Ain. Additionally, Sultan Al-Ghannam remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury.

Kingsley Coman of Al Nassr during a game.

With Félix suspended and multiple key players unavailable, Postecoglou will need to carefully adjust his attacking and midfield combinations. Ronaldo’s leadership and proven goalscoring threat provide vital stability as Al-Nassr seeks to avoid consecutive defeats.

Al-Nassr vs Abha: Confirmed lineups

Al-Nassr confirmed XI (4-3-3): Bento; Al Nasser, Martinez, Simakan, Boushal; Samu Costa, Al Khaibari, Angelo; Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Hamdan, Mane.

Abha confirmed XI (4-5-1): D. Léon; S. Saud S, A. Hindi, J. Gaari, M. Al Zaid; A. Darisi, F. Al Ghamdi, A. Al Fahad, N. Fekir, A. Gory; M. Batshuayi.

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