Cristiano Ronaldo Fitness Update Ahead of Al-Nassr vs Al-Taawoun

Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness has become a talking point ahead of Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Taawoun on Friday, August 28. Manager Ange Postecoglou appears to have suggested that the Portuguese forward is not yet ready to play a full match.

Ronaldo has featured for just 73 minutes for Al-Nassr this season. He missed the club’s opening league fixture against Al-Fateh and was also absent from the King’s Cup first-round meeting with Al-Diriyah.

Postecoglou explains Ronaldo’s fitness situation

Speaking ahead of the Al-Taawoun match, Postecoglou praised Ronaldo’s athletic ability but indicated that the 41-year-old needs more time before he can regularly complete 90 minutes.

The Al-Nassr manager explained that Ronaldo’s minutes are being increased gradually following his delayed return to training.

“Ronaldo is a special athlete. The plan was for him to play 45 minutes against Al Ettifaq, while in the previous match he played 30 minutes.”

Postecoglou added that Ronaldo will gradually build his workload before returning to full-match fitness. The manager believes the forward is currently capable of playing around 45 minutes.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo has had a limited start

Ronaldo returned to training later than some of his teammates after enjoying an extended break. His summer schedule included Portugal’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, followed by time away from football.

The forward also recently married Georgina Rodriguez, contributing to a longer period away from competitive action before returning to Al-Nassr.

His limited preparation has meant that Postecoglou has taken a cautious approach to his playing time rather than immediately asking him to complete full matches.

Ronaldo scores on Al-Nassr return

Ronaldo made his season debut against Al-Riyadh, coming off the bench for 28 minutes. He made an immediate impact by scoring during Al-Nassr’s emphatic 4-0 victory.

He subsequently made his first start under Postecoglou against Al-Ettifaq. However, the Portuguese star was substituted at half-time as Al-Nassr attempted to change the course of a difficult match.

Al-Nassr eventually produced a remarkable comeback, recovering from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 despite playing with 10 men. Ronaldo watched the second half from the sidelines.

Al-Nassr continue to lead the Saudi Pro League

Despite Ronaldo’s limited involvement, Al-Nassr have made a strong start to their Saudi Pro League campaign. The club have collected nine points from their first three matches and currently sit at the top of the table.

Al-Nassr lead Al-Ittihad by two points and will be hoping to maintain their perfect start against Al-Taawoun.

Ronaldo will be keen to increase his contribution as his fitness improves, particularly after helping Al-Nassr win their first Saudi Pro League title last season.

Ronaldo has scored once this season

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has made two appearances so far and has scored one goal. His strike came during the 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh.

With Postecoglou managing his workload carefully, Ronaldo’s playing time against Al-Taawoun will be closely watched. A gradual increase in minutes could allow him to return to his usual role as the club’s leading attacking figure.

Nasser Al-Shamrani criticizes Ronaldo

Meanwhile, former Saudi Arabia striker Nasser Al-Shamrani has criticized Ronaldo over an incident involving Al-Nassr teammate Joao Felix.

Felix had dropped back to help support the goalkeeper during the match, but Ronaldo reportedly scolded him. Al-Shamrani contrasted the two players’ actions while discussing the incident.

“The difference between Felix and Cristiano. Felix went to support the goalkeeper and Cristiano scolded him.”

Ronaldo’s next test against Al-Taawoun

Al-Nassr’s upcoming match against Al-Taawoun could provide another opportunity for Ronaldo to build his match fitness. Postecoglou’s comments suggest that the club are focused on gradually increasing his workload rather than rushing him back to 90-minute appearances.

With Al-Nassr already leading the table, the club have a strong incentive to manage Ronaldo carefully. The objective will be to ensure that their star forward reaches full fitness while the team continues its push to retain the Saudi Pro League title.