Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play Against Al Nassr vs Al Najma Today in Saudi Pro League?

Al Nassr take on Al Najma for tonight's clash at Al-Awwal Park as this is a classic "David vs. Goliath" mismatch in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League.

Al Nassr enters the fixture sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 67 points, enjoying a three-point cushion over rivals Al Hilal. Jorge Jesus' side has been a dominant force this season, boasting 22 wins and leading the league with 71 goals scored. Having won the reverse fixture 5-0 in February, Al Nassr will look to secure another routine victory to extend their title march.

On the other end of the spectrum, newly promoted Al Najma is enduring a nightmare campaign. Languishing in 18th place with just 8 points from 26 matches, they are currently 14 points adrift of safety. The visitors are on a five-match losing streak and hold the worst defensive record in the league, having conceded 61 goals. Facing the league leaders away from home presents a monumental challenge for the struggling side.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play Against Al Najma?

No, Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in tonight's match against Al Najma. Despite returning to full training earlier this week after a hamstring injury layoff, Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus has officially ruled out the Portuguese captain for Friday's Matchweek 27 fixture. The decision is a tactical move to rest the 41-year-old superstar and preserve his fitness for heavier domestic and continental clashes later in the season.

Al Nassr vs Al Najma Team News & Injury Updates

Al Nassr

While Ronaldo's managed absence is the biggest headline, Al Nassr is currently navigating a severe squad availability crisis:

Suspensions: Star attacker Joao Felix is serving a suspension and will be unavailable.

Injuries: Key players Mohamed Simakan (quad) and Kingsley Coman (hamstring) have not participated in training this week and are ruled out. Iñigo Martínez is also sidelined with an injury.

Replacements: With the frontline depleted, Sadio Mane, Angelo Gabriel, and Abdullah Al-Hamdan are expected to lead the attack.

Al Najma

The visitors travel to Riyadh with a relatively clean bill of health
Injuries: Mohammed Al-Kunaydiri remains the only major absentee as he continues his long-term recovery from an ACL injury.

Key Player: Brazilian forward Lazaro, who leads the team with six goals this season, will be their primary attacking outlet.

Even without Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix, league leaders Al Nassr possess overwhelming firepower and are heavy favorites to secure all three points against a defensively fragile Al Najma squad.