Ange Postecoglou Confirms Cristiano Ronaldo Ready for Al-Nassr Return Amid Portugal Team Drama

Ange Postecoglou, head coach of Al-Nassr FC, has stated that veteran striker Cristiano Ronaldo is in excellent physical and mental condition following his early exit from the Portugal national team camp. The 41-year-old forward is set to be available for the upcoming Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Diriyah this Friday in Riyadh.

Focus on Club Over International Matters

The Australian manager declined to address the recent controversies surrounding Ronaldo’s departure from Portugal's squad. When asked about possible tensions between Ronaldo and Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, Postecoglou said, "I don't like club managers commenting on what happens in the national team, so I won’t talk about it." Instead, he emphasized the importance of Ronaldo’s current fitness, stating, "Cristiano has returned to the club in good physical and mental shape. That is the most important thing for us."

Team Preparations and Squad Updates

Aside from Ronaldo's return, Al-Nassr also welcomed back Joao Felix to full training. The coaching staff now await the arrival of Saudi internationals who recently secured the Arabian Gulf Cup title with a 2-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates. Bringing the entire squad together is critical as Al-Nassr faces a packed schedule domestically and continentally.

League Standings and Upcoming Challenge

Heading into Friday’s game, Al-Nassr trails the league leaders by just two points. A win against Al-Diriyah will keep pressure on top teams Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. This match starts an intense period for the reigning champions, who need to avoid dropping points before regional competitions resume. Ronaldo, meanwhile, eyes adding to his staggering career total of 979 goals as he chases the milestone of 1,000.

• Match: Al-Nassr FC vs Al Diriyah
• Date and Time: 9 October 2026, 21:00
• Competition: Saudi Pro League
• Ronaldo’s Age: 41 years old
• Recent International Result: Saudi players won Arabian Gulf Cup 2-0 vs UAE
• League Position: Al-Nassr is 2 points behind leaders