Al Nassr drops Ronaldo for Champions League clash in Uzbekistan amid rotation, security concerns

Al Nassr left Cristiano Ronaldo, Kingsley Coman, and Mohamed Simakan out of the squad for today's AFC Champions League match against Pakhtakor in Tashkent. Coach Ange Postecoglou cited squad rotation and player welfare amid a demanding schedule, alongside wider security concerns in the region.

Ronaldo scored a hat-trick last week in the Saudi Pro League, pushing his career tally to 985 goals for club and country. Despite the form, Postecoglou prioritized rest for key players ahead of a congested fixture list. The match kicks off today in Uzbekistan's capital.

Security concerns in Central Asia factored into the decision, though specifics weren't disclosed. Al Nassr travels with a depleted squad for the continental tie, testing squad depth in Postecoglou's first Champions League campaign with the club.

For Nigerian fans tracking Ronaldo's pursuit of 1,000 career goals, the pause delays the milestone by at least one match. The forward needs 15 more to reach the historic mark.

Will Postecoglou's rotation strategy pay off in Uzbekistan, or does resting Ronaldo risk dropping points in a tight group?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/02/cristiano-ronaldo-dropped-by-al-nassr-for-champions-league-clash/