Arkadag vs Al-Nassr: A Champions League Showdown Without Ronaldo
Al-Nassr enters the Round of 16 first leg against Arkadag in the AFC Champions League Two following the conclusion of their group stage matches in December. While heavily favored to win both this match and the entire competition, Al-Nassr will be doing so without their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s Controversial Absence
The situation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo has been a source of much speculation. Manager Jorge Jesus has opted for squad rotation throughout the AFC Champions League Two campaign, and notably, has left Ronaldo out of several matches. This season, Ronaldo has yet to feature in the AFC Champions League Two. Recent reports suggest a deeper issue, with the Portuguese striker reportedly refusing to play in Saudi Pro League games as a ‘protest’ against decisions made by the Saudi PIF.
Ronaldo has missed two consecutive Saudi Pro League matches, fueling speculation about his availability for the Arkadag clash. His last appearance for Al-Nassr was on January 30, 2026, against Al Kholood, where he scored in a convincing 3-0 away victory. Despite returning to team training last week and demonstrating sufficient fitness, Ronaldo will not be taking the field against Arkadag.
Jesus’s Decision: Rest and Rotation
Contrary to reports of a continued protest, Ronaldo’s absence isn’t due to refusal to play. Jorge Jesus has decided to rest Ronaldo, along with other key players, ahead of upcoming fixtures. This decision is further confirmed by Ronaldo’s absence from team photos during their travel to Turkmenistan.
Looking Ahead: Ronaldo’s Return
New reports from Saudi Arabia indicate that Ronaldo is expected to return to action this weekend against Al Fateh FC. This strategic rest suggests a focus on maintaining Ronaldo’s peak performance for crucial matches. The club is likely prioritizing his fitness for the remainder of the Saudi Pro League season and the continuation of their Champions League campaign.
Al-Nassr’s Path in the AFC Champions League Two
Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Al-Nassr remains a formidable opponent. Their squad depth and tactical flexibility, under the guidance of Jorge Jesus, will be tested against Arkadag. The team will need to rely on other key players to step up and deliver a strong performance in the first leg. You can find more information about the AFC Champions League on the AFC official website.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on February 11, 2026, in the Soccer section.
