In Matchday 8 of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League, Al Kholood will host Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr at Al Hazem Club Stadium. Looking to extend their seven-game winning streak, head coach Stefano Pioli made a key decision regarding Ronaldo’s presence on the field.
The Portuguese star has logged significant minutes over the past few weeks. Considering this, and with Al Kholood currently close to the relegation zone, Pioli has opted to rest Ronaldo for Al Nassr‘s matchup against Al Kholood.
Ronaldo has not reported any injury since Al Nassr’s recent AFC Champions League victory over Esteghlal FC. Pioli’s decision to rest him is strategic, with upcoming games against Al Kawoon in the King’s Cup and a crucial league match against table leaders Al Hilal on the horizon.
Ronaldo out of the roster for the second time with Pioli
This marks the second time Ronaldo has been left out of Pioli’s roster. The first instance occurred during Pioli’s debut against Al Shorta in the AFC Champions League when Ronaldo was sidelined due to a viral infection.
Today, Ronaldo is receiving well-deserved rest after featuring in four matches over the past 10 days, split between Portugal’s national team and Al Nassr. Notably, the recent game against Esteghlal FC was the first match in which Ronaldo did not score under Pioli’s management.
Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina was hospitalized
Ronaldo will be spending time with his family, specially taking care of his partner Georgina Rodriguez, who was hospitalized for four days at Saudi German Hospital.
The model posted on Instagram an update about his situation: “Finally back home! I spent four days in the hospital with pneumonia. I’m better now but still recovering at home with my family.”
Al Nassr confirmed lineup vs Al Kholood
Bento; Sultan Al Ghannam, Ali Lajami, Aymeric Laporte, Abdulrahman Ghareeb; Abdullah Alkhaibari, Ayman Ahmed; Angelo, Otavio, Sadio Mane; Anderson Talisca.