Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr return to Saudi Pro League action on Wednesday, aiming to bounce back from their first defeat of the season. The clash with Abha presents several selection dilemmas for manager Ange Postecoglou, who must navigate injuries and suspensions while keeping his side near the top of the table.
Al-Nassr has collected 12 points from its opening five league matches, while Abha has taken just one point and sits at the bottom of the standings. With the two teams arriving in completely different form, the focus will be on whether Postecoglou can make the right calls to restore momentum.
Al-Nassr’s strong start halted by Al-Ittihad
Ronaldo’s side started the campaign with four consecutive league victories before suffering a 2-1 defeat away to Al-Ittihad in the previous round. George Ilenikhena scored twice for the hosts, while Angelo Gabriel pulled one back, but Al-Nassr could not find a late equalizer despite sustained pressure.
The result ended a four-match winning run but did little to change the overall picture of an impressive opening to the campaign. Al-Nassr has scored 13 goals and conceded only five in five league games, while both of its home fixtures have ended in victories.
Al-Nassr 2026-27 Saudi Pro League results
| Matchweek | Date | Opponent | Score / Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matchweek 1 | Aug 15, 2026 | Al-Fateh | 3–0 Win |
| Matchweek 2 | Aug 21, 2026 | Al-Riyadh SC | 4–0 Win |
| Matchweek 3 | Aug 25, 2026 | Al-Ettifaq | 3–2 Win |
| Matchweek 4 | Aug 28, 2026 | Al-Taawoun | 2–1 Win |
| Matchweek 5 | Sept 5, 2026 | Al-Ittihad | 1–2 Loss |
The match therefore represents an excellent opportunity for Postecoglou’s side to respond. Abha has failed to win any of its opening five matches, losing four and drawing once, while scoring only four goals and conceding 11.
Abha 2026-27 Saudi Pro League results
| Matchweek | Date | Opponent | Score / Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matchweek 1 | Aug 13, 2026 | Al-Hazem | 1–2 Loss |
| Matchweek 2 | Aug 22, 2026 | Al-Ahli | 0–4 Loss |
| Matchweek 3 | Aug 25, 2026 | Al-Khaleej | 1–1 Draw |
| Matchweek 4 | Aug 28, 2026 | Al-Fayha | 2–3 Loss |
| Matchweek 5 | Sept 4, 2026 | Al-Ettifaq | 0–1 Loss |
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play against Abha?
Despite the recent defeat and the club’s selection issues, Cristiano Ronaldo will start against Abha. The Portuguese superstar has scored twice in four league appearances this season and remains the focal point of an attack that has produced 13 goals.
Ronaldo has been partnered in attack by Ayman, while Sadio Mane, Angelo Gabriel and Samu Costa have also retained their places. Joao Felix was initially expected to feature alongside Ronaldo, but his fourth yellow card of the season against Al-Ittihad means he is suspended for Wednesday’s match.
That suspension is a significant blow given Felix’s strong start to his Al-Nassr career. The Portuguese attacker has recorded two goals and two assists in five league appearances, but will now watch from the sidelines as Ronaldo leads the attack.
Al-Nassr hit by triple blow
Postecoglou also has injury concerns. Kingsley Coman is expected to miss the match after suffering a hamstring injury during the defeat to Al-Ittihad, forcing him off after 60 minutes.
Medical tests indicated that Coman require at least seven days of rest, with the Frenchman potentially targeting a return around Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite opener against Al Ain. Sultan Al-Ghannam is another absentee after suffering a cruciate ligament injury.
With Felix suspended and several players unavailable, Postecoglou will have to adjust his attacking and midfield combinations. Ronaldo’s presence provides valuable experience and goals as Al-Nassr tries to avoid consecutive setbacks.
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.
