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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ronaldo sat out the last match vs Al-Hazem</li><li>Yet Al-Nassr managed to win 2-1</li><li>The Portuguese forward will be back on Friday</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Cristiano Ronaldo sends out message as Al-Nassr superstar prepares to return to Saudi Pro League action against Al-Wehda

Saudi Pro League

Al Nassr FC

Al Qadasiya

Al-Wehda

Al-Taawoun

<p>Ronaldo was one of several high-profile players<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/why-cristiano-ronaldo-left-out-of-al-nassr-squad-king-s-cup-clash-al-hazem-explained/blt144853fb0bae43d2#cs0f8a15977be84bd0" target="_blank"> left out of Stefano Pioli's matchday squad</a> when Al-Nassr faced Al-Hazem in the round of 32 stage of the King's Cup. His exclusion was a calculated decision by Pioli, who wanted to give his veteran forward some much-needed rest ahead of crucial fixtures after he starred in Al-Nassr's comprehensive 3-0 victory over Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League the previous week.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Despite Ronaldo's absence, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-issuesmessage-team-mates-al-nassr-win-king-cup-without-star-player/bltd3aa608d09b1c241#csd662a71307a8020b" target="_blank">Al-Nassr secured a thrilling 2-1 win over Al-Hazem</a>. The game saw Sadio Mane opening the scoring during first-half stoppage time, but it was Nawaf Boushal who scored the decisive winner, ensuring his side's progression to the next round.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>In the lead-up to his return, Ronaldo took to social media to share an inspiring message with his fans. Posting a series of training photos, the Portuguese superstar captioned them: "Working hard 🔥".</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAZMiovgQtw/?img_index=5" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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        <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div>
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WHAT RONALDO SAID

<p>As Al-Nassr looks to maintain its momentum in both domestic and continental competitions, Ronaldo’s return is well-timed. After facing Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, they will lock horns against Qatari side Al-Rayyan in a crucial AFC Champions League encounter on Monday. Having already netted five goals in six appearances this season, a refreshed Ronaldo looks poised to add to his goal tally and help his team in these high-stakes encounters.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Cristiano Ronaldo sends out message as Al-Nassr superstar prepares to return to Saudi Pro League action against Al-Wehda | Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo sent out an inspiring message as the Al-Nassr superstar was snapped preparing to return to Saudi Pro League action against Al-Wehda.