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Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix are central to Al-Nassr’s latest continental challenge, but fresh uncertainty has emerged just before the decisive AFC Champions League Two clash with Al-Wasl. Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix are central to Al-Nassr’s latest continental challenge, but fresh uncertainty has emerged just before the decisive AFC Champions League Two clash with Al-Wasl. The Portuguese pair headline a star-filled squad, yet Felix’s absence from group training has raised concern ahead of one of the club’s most important matches of the season. The stage is set at Zabeel Stadium, where a one-leg quarter-final will decide who advances to the semi-finals. For Al-Nassr, the match represents another step toward a long-awaited continental title, one that has so far eluded the club. It topped its group with a perfect 18 points and navigated the round of 16 with back-to-back 1-0 wins, showing both consistency and control. What’s more, the Riyadh outfit enters the match in formidable form. A remarkable winning streak, stretching beyond 17 matches across competitions, has turned Jorge Jesus’ side into one of Asia’s most feared sides. A star-studded attack has been the driving force behind that run. Between Ronaldo, Felix, Sadio Mane, and others, the team has produced a staggering number of goal contributions, underlining their depth and firepower. Al-Nassr’s attacking quartet so far this season: 🇵🇹 João Felix — 36 goal contributions 🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo — 29 goal contributions 🇫🇷 Kingsley Coman — 22 goal contributions 🇸🇳 Sadio Mané — 19 goal contributions pic.twitter.com/MUsuSoinEb — The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) April 15, 2026 Al-Wasl, meanwhile, arrives with a different kind of urgency. With domestic hopes fading, this competition stands as its final opportunity for silverware, adding extra intensity to the encounter. The reason why Joao Felix missed training Joao Felix has been one of Al-Nassr’s most productive players this season. Since arriving permanently in 2025, the forward has delivered 21 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances across competitions, making him a crucial figure in the attack. His versatility, movement, and technical quality have helped complement Cristiano Ronaldo and the wider frontline. That is why his missing group session created immediate concern around availability and readiness. Reports from Al Youm and Arriyadiyah later clarified the situation. The technical staff preferred to rest him due to fatigue, rather than any serious injury issue. “Joao Felix skipped group training… and instead completed individual gym exercises,” the reports stated. Joao Felix of Al-Nassr The decision was precautionary, aimed at ensuring he remains available for selection rather than risking a setback. The Portuguese winger still trained individually, signaling that his involvement in the match remains possible. Jorge Jesus faces a key decision: Will Joao Felix play? The biggest question now is whether Felix starts, appears from the bench, or is protected further. It appears that Jorge Jesus will make the final decision in a pre-match meeting, balancing immediate need with player condition. Joao Felix celebrates scoring their third goal with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr If Felix is unavailable from the opening whistle, alternatives such as Sadio Mane or Kingsley Coman can shoulder more responsibility. Few teams in Asia can match Al-Nassr’s attacking depth. Another option is that Jorge Jesus could be forced to change formations with Ronaldo and another centre-forward ahead.

Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus revealed Cristiano Ronaldo was suffering from illness during Al-Nassr’s clash with Al-Ettifaq. Kingsley Coman’s 31st-minute tap-in was enough to see Al-Nassr win 1-0 on Wednesday. Al-Nassr, who are eight points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League, have now won 15 straight games in the competition. Ronaldo’s shot led […] The post Ronaldo suffered from stomach pains during Al-Nassr´s win, reveals Jorge Jesus appeared first on Soccer News.

Al-Nassr moved eight points clear at the Saudi Pro League summit after Kingsley Coman’s first-half strike guided them to a 1-0 win over Al-Ettifaq, who ended with 10 men. Al-Hilal could slice that deficit to five points with their game in hand, though another convincing performance at Al-Awwal Park edged Jorge Jesus’ side closer to […] The post Al-Nassr 1-0 Al-Ettifaq: Coman sends leaders eight points clear appeared first on Soccer News.

The Saudi Pro League returns with a high-stakes clash that could shape the title race, as Al-Nassr welcomes Al-Ettifaq in Riyadh. The Saudi Pro League returns with a high-stakes clash that could shape the title race, as Al-Nassr welcomes Al-Ettifaq in Riyadh. With Cristiano Ronaldo at the center of attention, uncertainty surrounding his involvement has added intrigue to an already crucial encounter. The home side enters the match in dominant form, sitting at the top of the table and pushing for a long-awaited league title. A five-point lead and a remarkable winning streak have placed Al-Nassr in a commanding position, but the pressure remains intense with only a handful of matches left. Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq arrives looking to disrupt the momentum despite inconsistent performances in recent weeks. The stakes could hardly be higher as the league campaign approaches its decisive stretch. Al-Nassr has collected over 70 points and built one of the strongest attacking records in the competition, scoring freely while maintaining defensive stability. Its recent 2-0 victory over Al-Akhdoud reinforced its credentials as the team to beat. Al-Ettifaq, on the other hand, finds itself in a very different situation. Sitting seventh with mixed results, the team has struggled for consistency, including a recent 3-2 defeat that exposed defensive vulnerabilities. Despite that, their ability to challenge stronger opponents keeps this fixture unpredictable. Will Ronaldo play? As anticipation built, the focus inevitably shifted to whether Ronaldo would feature in such a crucial match. Cristiano Ronaldo will start and lead the attack, adding firepower to the lineup. The Portuguese partnership between Ronaldo and Joao Felix has added creativity and finishing power in the final third. The Portuguese forward returned from a recent hamstring injury in sharp form, scoring three goals in his last two appearances. His tally of 24 league goals and an astonishing 968 career goals underline his continued influence, even at this stage of his career. What’s more, he needs six more goals to surpass Mohammed Al-Sahlawi and become Al-Nassr’s all-time top goalscorer in the Saudi Pro League. Inigo Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo in training Both sides enter the match with important squad updates that could influence the outcome. Al-Nassr will be without Angelo Gabriel after a fitness setback, while the return of Inigo Martinez strengthens the defensive options. Al-Nassr vs Al-Ettifaq: Confirmed lineups Al-Nassr confirmed XI (4-3-3): Bento; Martinez, Al Amri, Simakan, Boushal; Brozovic, Al Khaibari, Felix; Mane, Ronaldo, Coman. Al-Ettifaq confirmed XI (5-3-2): Rodak; Radi, Khateem, Jack, Calvo, Nkota; Duda, Medran; Wijnaldum; Al Ghannam; Dembele.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman head into a crucial weekend for Al-Nassr with uncertainty clouding part of the squad, while Inigo Martinez continues to recover from injury. Cristiano Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman head into a crucial weekend for Al-Nassr with uncertainty clouding part of the squad, while Inigo Martinez continues to recover from injury. The club prepares for a potentially season-shaping meeting with Al-Okhdood, a match that will influence both the title race and the relegation battle. Ronaldo now knows the condition of two key teammates before the trip, yet only one of them is ready to contribute on Saturday. Al-Okhdood fights to escape the relegation zone, whereas Al-Nassr arrives as the league leader in remarkable form. With seven matches remaining, every point carries enormous weight as the title race intensifies. The host has managed only one home victory since mid-January, a stretch that highlights its struggle at Prince Hathloul Stadium. Even with a match in hand over other relegation rivals, the club’s margin for error is shrinking. The new coach, Paulo Sergio, aims to tighten the defence, but the challenge awaiting it involves the league’s most explosive attack. Jorge Jesus has transformed Al-Nassr into a relentless force in the Saudi Pro League. The club followed a 5-0 demolition of Al-Khaleej with a dramatic 5-2 comeback against Al-Najma, where Ronaldo and Sadio Mane each scored twice. That victory kept the Riyadh outfit top on 70 points, two ahead of Al-Hilal and four above Al-Ahli, with a valuable game in hand. The team’s extraordinary run includes 13 consecutive league victories and eight straight away wins. Al-Nassr’s attack remains the centerpiece of its success, supported by improved defensive structure. With the title race narrowing, every selection decision becomes more important. Squad updates: Inigo Martinez out One key issue for Saturday is the absence of Inigo Martinez, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah notes that he “continued his rehabilitation program on Thursday” and will not feature this weekend. The defender is progressing steadily, but the staff remains cautious to avoid setbacks. Kingsley Coman’s availability revealed The biggest question of the week surrounded Kingsley Coman, whose fitness had become a topic of suspense within the dressing room. Al-Nassr received clarity when Arriyadiyah reported that the winger returned to full training with the squad. “Kingsley Coman participated in Al-Nassr’s group training session after recovering from his injury”, said the report. Locked in for Saturday ⚽ pic.twitter.com/cZzmskLJgX — AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) April 9, 2026 In the middle of preparations, the Frenchman confirmed his readiness for Saturday’s match. His availability offers Al-Nassr a timely boost, especially with Martinez watching from the sidelines.

The club will be without Inigo Martinez for the upcoming clash against Al-Okhdood, while uncertainty also surrounds Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix, as fitness questions linger. Cristiano Ronaldo heads into another decisive Matchday with Al-Nassr, but fresh injury concerns have disrupted preparations. The club will be without Inigo Martinez for the upcoming clash against Al-Okhdood, while uncertainty also surrounds Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix, as fitness questions linger. The absence of key figures arrives at a critical point in the season. With the title race tightening, every selection decision now carries added weight for the league leader. Al-Nassr enters the Round 28 fixture against Al-Okhdood sitting top of the Saudi Pro League with 70 points, maintaining a five-point advantage over Al-Hilal. The club has built momentum through consistent results, including a commanding victory over Al-Najma in the previous round. At the same time, rivals have shown signs of vulnerability, with Al-Hilal dropping points and Al-Qadisiyah slipping to defeat. These results have strengthened Al-Nassr’s grip on first place, but the margin remains narrow enough to demand full focus. The biggest immediate setback comes with the confirmed absence of Inigo Martinez. The Spanish defender continues his recovery from a hamstring injury and has not yet returned to full group training. Inigo Martinez of Al-Nassr controls the ball According to Arriyadiyah, he has been limited to light running and individual training as part of his rehabilitation process. His absence removes an experienced defensive option at a time when stability at the back is essential. Fitness update on Coman and Felix emerges As a result, attention has also turned to Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix, whose fitness situations have been closely monitored. Arriyadiyah’s latest update suggests that both players are still undergoing rehabilitation and are yet to be fully integrated into group training, leaving their availability uncertain. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr (R) and Joao Felix of Al-Nassr (L Coman has resumed individual training after partial participation, with a final decision expected closer to Saturday’s Matchday. Felix, meanwhile, remains on a structured recovery program alongside other teammates dealing with muscle-related issues. The report adds that medical and technical staff continue to manage these cases carefully to avoid setbacks, highlighting the cautious approach being taken. Several players set to return on the pitch The absence and uncertainty surrounding multiple players’ places added pressure on the squad depth. While some players, including Mohamed Simakan and Abdullah Al-Hamdan, have returned to fitness, others are still working toward full recovery. Preparing for AlOkhdood 🕰️ pic.twitter.com/eF253PoS45 — AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) April 7, 2026 This situation forces the coaching staff to carefully balance short-term results with long-term player health. Managing workloads has become a recurring theme as the season approaches its decisive phase.

Chris is here with an update on Liverpool's transfer business so far this Summer. The big rumour is Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman being linked with a move to Anfield, as well as Otavio - an attacking midfielder playing for FC Porto. Xherdan Shaqiri has also been linked with a move away from the club, with rumours indicating Lazio are top of the list. Watch the full episode of Hold The L over on Super 6’s YouTube Channel and comment on who should Hold The L! https://bit.ly/HTLPredictions #AD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate, Luke and Vish discuss last night’s action after Chelsea swatted aside what Joe Cole called “a top Championship side” (brave) as well as any common sense around VAR. The heartwarming football news doesn’t stop there: Kinglsey Koman’s been fined for using the wrong supercar, while Lionel Messi has been turned into an AI message bot. Plus, Dinamo Zagreb Zoran Mamić nobly falls on his sword after being sentenced to five years in prison and Arsène Wenger has some dastardly plans straight out of Area 51. Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: [email protected]. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** The Football Ramble, the original and best football podcast. Brand new podcasts every single weekday throughout the Premier League season and every day throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jay and Ronaldo are back with another episode of the Tier 1 podcast, and today's guest is sport1 Bayern Munich expert Florian Plettenberg! They discuss United's reported moves for the likes of Kingsley Coman, Thiago Alcantara and Jadon Sancho! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wilkommen! Our resident space investigators, Luke Moore and Andy Brassell, are back with a brand new episode of On The Continent! We begin over in Germany, as genuine fear spreads that as many as a third of professional German sides could be declare bankruptcy. We discuss how clubs like Schalke are attempting to combat the problem, as well as talking about some actual football since some clubs have begun highly-regulated training. Unfortunately, Kingsley Coman and Corentin Tolisso completely forgot the social distancing guidelines and hugged each other upon arrival at Bayern training… Meine Güte. Elsewhere, we discuss Javiert Tebas’ work in Spain and his continued updates about how La Liga aims to complete the season, while Toni Kroos has copped some unwarranted flack for his thoughts around players donating some of their wages. We also spare a moment to celebrate the great life of Randomir Antić, the celebrated Serbian manager who won the double with Atlético in 1995/96 and remains the only man to manage Spain’s big three clubs, after his sad passing. Fancy getting in touch? We are now releasing episodes of the Mailbag exclusively to Patreon! Email us at [email protected] and visit patreon.com/footballrambledaily to get involved! **Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!* The Football Ramble, the original and best football podcast. Brand new podcasts every single weekday throughout the Premier League season and every day throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.