Cristiano Ronaldo readies final push for Asian title as Al-Nassr eye Al Ain opener | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what could be his final tilt at Asian silverware with Al-Nassr in the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite. Manager Ange Postecoglou is set to manage the veteran’s workload, and Kingsley Coman is targeting a timely return from injury.

Al-Nassr visit Al-Khaleej on Saturday in the Saudi Pro League, with rotation expected before Tuesday’s continental opener on 15 September against Al Ain. According to Arriyadiyah, the medical staff could clear Coman to feature then, although he has already been ruled out of the weekend match.

Coman sustained a hamstring problem against Al-Ittihad, but scans brought encouragement, with an MRI confirming only a mild tear. He remains on a recovery programme at the training ground.

The French winger has endured a flat start, with no goals or assists in six appearances. Even so, his one-v-one threat and service are valued alongside Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, a five-time European champion, is eager to add an Asian crown, with this season his third crack at the tournament for Al-Nassr. His 2023-24 debut ended in quarter-final heartbreak on penalties to eventual winners Al Ain, despite six goals and two assists in nine matches.

He improved individually the following year with eight goals in eight games, but Kawasaki Frontale halted Al-Nassr in the semi-finals with a 3-2 victory. With Ronaldo signalling this campaign could be his last as a professional, the stakes are high as Al Ain loom.

Source: Goal.com

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