Ronaldo Rested, Asian Cup in Doubt as Saudi Security Concerns Grow

Cristiano Ronaldo has been rested for Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League clash against Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor amid growing security concerns surrounding Asian football competitions in the Middle East.

The Portuguese superstar was left out of the squad by coach Ange Postecoglou for Monday's match in Tashkent. Kingsley Coman and Mohamed Simakan were also rested, with Postecoglou citing the demanding fixture schedule and extensive travel involved. Ronaldo recently scored a hat-trick in a Saudi Pro League match, taking his career goal tally to 985.

Al-Nassr, which is pursuing its first-ever Asian continental title, has endured a difficult campaign and currently sits ninth in the western group of the 32-team competition. The top eight teams from each of the eastern and western groups will advance to the knockout stage.

The club's previous Champions League fixture against UAE side Al-Wasl was postponed after the visitors declined to travel to Riyadh over security concerns. An earlier home match on October 12 was also delayed by an hour following reports of missile attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Meanwhile, defending two-time champions Al-Ahli are third in their group ahead of their trip to Qatar to face Al-Sadd. Al-Hilal, which recently recorded its fifth consecutive Saudi Pro League victory, will host UAE's Shabab Al-Ahli.

The security situation has also raised questions about the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, scheduled to begin in Saudi Arabia on January 7. Japan Football Association president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto has expressed doubts about the country's ability to safely host the tournament.

AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said the governing body could monitor developments until the end of November before making a decision. He indicated that the competition could be postponed to 2028 if necessary.

Despite the uncertainty, Saudi organisers maintain that preparations are progressing as scheduled, with venues and kick-off times for all matches already finalised.