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 Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Today?
Reuters via Imagn Images

Al Nassr host Al Diriyah at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh today, Friday, October 9, in Matchweek 8 of the Saudi Pro League. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Saudi Arabia time (6:00 p.m. UTC, 2:00 p.m. ET in the USA).

Al Nassr sit third in the standings with 16 points from seven matches, two points behind leaders Al Hilal. Al Diriyah, meanwhile, occupy eighth place with 11 points after a respectable start to their first Saudi Pro League campaign. 

The two teams have already met this season in the King’s Cup on August 18, when Al Nassr won 4-1. 

Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today? 

Yes. Cristiano Ronaldo will most likely play for Al Nassr against Al Diriyah.

The Portuguese superstar has returned to Riyadh after leaving Portugal’s national-team camp and has resumed training with Al Nassr. He trained with the squad on October 5, and manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that the forward is ready to play. The coach also said Ronaldo’s morale was “very high” despite the controversy surrounding his international break. 

The controversy erupted after Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp following a disagreement with national-team coach Jorge Jesus. In a statement published on October 6, Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking promises regarding his playing time and a proposed public explanation for his omission against Norway. Ronaldo said he had accepted responsibility for his departure, apologized to his teammates and supporters, and would accept any disciplinary consequences. He also reaffirmed his willingness to represent Portugal in the future.

Al Nassr vs. Al Diriyah Predicted Lineups

Al Nassr Lineup vs. Al Diriyah

  • Bento
  • Boushal, Simakan, Martínez, Al-Amri
  • Gabriel, Costa, Al-Khaibari, Mané
  • Félix, Ronaldo

Al Diriyah Lineup vs. Al Nassr

  • Vasilj
  • Al-Faraj, Mbemba, Djimsiti, Al-Sibyani
  • Gueye, Millot, Al-Malki
  • Diandy, Boulbina, Núñez

Al Nassr Team News

Ronaldo should return to the starting lineup after missing Al Nassr’s previous meeting with Al Diriyah in the King’s Cup in August. He has trained normally since returning from Portugal, and Postecoglou has indicated that he is ready to play. However, the manager could still manage his minutes following the forward’s recent travel and the disruption surrounding his international departure.

Al Nassr are still without Rakan Al-Ghamdi, who is recovering from a knee ligament injury, and Salem Al-Najdi, who is recuperating following nose surgery. 

Sultan Al-Ghanam also continues rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament surgery. Saad Al-Nasser has returned to full training following a hamstring injury. 

Al Diriyah Team News

Al Diriyah travel to Riyadh without any newly reported fitness concerns, according to the latest pre-match preview. 

However, Oscar Rodríguez is suspended following his red card for violent conduct in the defeat to Al Qadsiah. His absence leaves Núñez as the principal attacking threat.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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