Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Surprise Bench Risk In Al-Nassr Final

Cristiano Ronaldo may not start one of Al-Nassr’s biggest matches of the season after reports in Saudi Arabia claimed Jorge Jesus is considering resting the Portuguese star for the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka.

The decision would come as a major surprise, considering the importance of the occasion. Al-Nassr has the chance to win continental silverware in front of its home supporters at Al-Awwal Park, while Ronaldo himself is chasing his first major trophy since arriving in Saudi Arabia.

Despite the huge stakes, concerns over player fatigue and injuries appear to be shaping the manager’s thinking before the final. With only a few days separating the continental clash from Al-Nassr’s decisive Saudi Pro League fixture against Damac, Jorge Jesus reportedly wants to avoid risking key players physically.

To be fair, the timing could hardly be more difficult for the Riyadh club.

Injury Problems Leave Al-Nassr Short

Several injury concerns inside the squad have already disrupted preparations for the final. According to reports from Saudi outlet Arriyadiyah, Marcelo Brozovic and Kingsley Coman both remain doubtful after missing parts of training and continuing treatment sessions at the club’s medical facility.

Brozovic is reportedly the least likely player to recover in time. The Croatian midfielder has been one of Al-Nassr’s most important players this season because of his ability to control possession and dictate the tempo in midfield.

Meanwhile, Coman’s possible absence would also be a huge blow. The French winger has been one of Al-Nassr’s standout performers during the AFC Champions League Two campaign and scored six goals in the tournament.

Several other players, including Angelo, Abdullah Al Khaibari, and Abdulelah Al Amri are also dealing with fitness issues ahead of the final.

As a result, Jorge Jesus reportedly promoted multiple under-21 players into first-team training to help cover the growing list of absentees.

Jorge Jesus Worried About Fatigue

The biggest talking point, however, remains Ronaldo’s situation.

Reports claim Abdullah Al-Hamdan has been prepared as a possible starter if Jorge Jesus decides to leave Ronaldo on the bench. The Saudi forward has regularly replaced the Portuguese veteran during matches this season and could now receive the biggest opportunity of his Al-Nassr career.

The main concern appears to be fatigue. Jorge Jesus reportedly fears exhausting his senior players before the title-deciding league match against Damac later this week.

That fixture could officially secure the Saudi Pro League crown for Al-Nassr if results go their way.

Still, benching Ronaldo in a continental final would be a massive gamble. The Portuguese icon remains Al-Nassr’s biggest attacking threat and has built his career around delivering in high-pressure moments.

After winning five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, Ronaldo now has the chance to add another continental trophy to his legendary career, this time in Asia with Al-Nassr.