Ronaldo Rested Amid Security Worries As Al Nassr Faces Pakhtakor

Cristiano Ronaldo has been left off the starting lineup for Monday's AFC Champions League match between Al-Nassr and Pakhtakor in Tashkent. Head coach Ange Postecoglou decided to rest Ronaldo, along with Kingsley Coman and defender Mohamed Simakan, citing a congested schedule and security concerns regarding conditions in Saudi Arabia. The decision comes as the club prepares for their fourth group stage fixture at Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium. While Samu Costa returns from suspension, Al-Nassr aims to ease physical load on key players ahead of upcoming fixtures.