Al Nassr’s new boss Stefano Pioli is not hellbent on playing Cristiano Ronaldo in every other game. In a move to save the veteran’s energy for bigger clashes, Pioli is ready to go to battle without the skipper, especially when it’s a non-Saudi League game. Pioli had rested Ronaldo in the King Cup of Champions game against Al Wehda. Now, another non-SPL tie awaits the Knights of Najd, as they play Qatar’s Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage today. So, does that mean the Italian boss will again mull over resting the former Real Madrid and Manchester United megastar?

Al Nassr has drawn its first AFC game and has ample chances to finish in the group’s top eight. Simply put, Al Nassr can tread lightly against Al Rayyan. Does that give Ronaldo a pass? Let’s find out.

Here’s the latest update on Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability against Al Rayyan

Cristiano Ronaldo resumed action for Al Nassr in its last match against Al Wehda on Friday. The 39-year-old played 90 minutes and scored one off the spot. The 5x-Ballon d’Or winner did not show any sign of fatigue as well. So, there is no reason Ronaldo would sit out for the AFC Champions League clash against the Qatari outfit. After missing Al Nassr’s AFC opener due to a viral infection, the Portuguese icon is keen on starting this year’s Champions League run. Rumors and reports from social handles close to the Saudi League indicate that Ronaldo will play against Al Rayyan.

During the pre-season, Cristiano Ronaldo proved that he too could be prone to injuries. Besides, the virus he got recently has also taken on a toll on certain games in the SPL. Considering this and Al Nassr is dealing with a crammed fixture, Stefano Pioli could also summon Ronaldo for a minimal display. He could perhaps come off the bench or be called back prematurely.

So, now, let’s have a sneak peek into the rigorous yet captivating schedule Ronaldo and Al Nassr have to go through after the Asian Champions League tie.

What next for Ronaldo and the Knights of Najd?

It won’t be a stretch to say that the Al Rayyan tie is the last game Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. could take it easy. Ronaldo’s experience and expertise will be more in demand in the upcoming games, as Al Nassr plays five games in October. Within a week after the Al Rayyan tie, the yellow team takes on Al Orobah in the Saudi League. CR7’s side has notably just now climbed up to the third spot in the SPL. They would now concentrate on winning every possible game, as a loss could falter their recent resurgence in the domestic league.

After that, the 5x-Ballon d’Or winner has breathing space, as Al Nassr’s next SPL game falls on October 18, 13 days after the Al Orobah game. But from then on, the Knights play three games in ten days, including an AFC Champions League game against Esteghlal and an SPL game against arch-rivals Al Hilal. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if Pioli makes a move to retain Ronaldo at his maximum energy for the future. Let’s see.