Banned in Last Game, Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Tonight For Al Nassr Vs Al Khaleej

There is not even a close sign of an injury for Cristiano Ronaldo. Yet fans doubt if he will feature in Al Nassr’s Saudi League match against Al Khaleej on the road.  The reason for these doubts is Ronaldo’s two-game ban that he received after the Saudi Super Cup tie against Al Hilal. The Al Nassr captain elbowed Al Hilal’s Ali Al-Bulayhi and saw a red card during the game. Subsequently, the league’s disciplinary committee banned him from Al Nassr’s last match against Al Feiha and tonight’s tie against Al Khaleej. However, the Knights of Najd appealed against the disciplinary committee to reduce the ban. So what is the latest update on the 5x-Ballon d’Or winner?

Since his absence during the Al Feiha tie was obvious, Cristiano Ronaldo vacationed with his partner, Georgina Rodriguez. However, he flew back in time to join the Al Nassr camp to train for the Al Khaleej tie. Well, there’s more to hint that Ronaldo will start tonight.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban overturned?

It seems like Al Nassr’s succeeded in bringing their captain back earlier than expected. As per Saudi Arabian soccer journalist, Aymen Al Tamimi, the league has lifted the ban on Cristiano Ronaldo. “Legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation was confirmed on Saturday. Whoever is still waiting for any decision in his mind, let him continue to wait and dream. The legend’s statement to the committee was regular, legal and evidence-based. The situation was witnessed by everyone and does not amount to any punishment,” Al Tamimi wrote on X.

Besides, Ronaldo has repeatedly been sharing snaps from the Al Nassr training camp on his Instagram. The gesture perhaps means he is ready to take on the Saihat-based rivals. Meanwhile, the 39-year-old could be seen in Al Nassr’s posts on X, a precursor to the Al Khaleej game tonight. So all this confirms that the Portuguese icon will don Al Nassr’s colors tonight. Fans will have to wait till kick-off to find out if a different fate awaits the superstar. If he starts, Al Khaleej’s home will be his training ground for the far more crucial game that awaits him on April 30.

Ronaldo can train well for a repeat of tonight’s clash on April 30

After tonight’s game, the two sides meet again in the King Cup of Champions semi-final on April 30. Cristiano Ronaldo will have a home advantage as Khaleej travels to Al Awwal Park for the decisive knockout game. It is paramount for Al Nassr to register a win. If won, they will stay alive to give a final shot at the only silverware Al Nassr could win this season.

Luis Castro’s side has bottled hopes to win the Saudi Pro League, as Al Hilal is sitting comfortably in the pole position. Meanwhile, the Knights of Najd also saw the AFC Champions League title prematurely slip away from them. They also recently lost the Saudi Super Cup semi against Al Hilal. So, the last Al Khaleej game of the two will test Ronaldo’s side’s reputation as an Arabian powerhouse.