In a strategic move ahead of the AFC Champions League quarter-finals, Jorge Jesus, the head coach of Al-Nassr, has announced the exclusion of eight prominent players from the team’s lineup for their upcoming match against Turkmen Arkadag. The clash is set to take place on Wednesday evening, and Al-Nassr is keen to secure an advantageous outcome on the road.
This decision aims to alleviate the physical strain on the players due to the demanding schedule of both domestic and international competitions. Among those not included in the matchday squad are superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, Marcelo Brozovic, Mohamed Simakan, Inigo Martinez, Joao Felix, and goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi.
By resting these key players, the coaching staff at Al-Nassr expresses confidence in the capabilities of other squad members, providing them with the chance to demonstrate their readiness for future fixtures. The team has departed for Turkmenistan, where they will prepare meticulously for the match, considering every detail crucial for success.
With aspirations high, Al-Nassr aims to return with a strong performance that will ease their path in the return leg of the quarter-finals, bringing them closer to their ambition of competing for the coveted Asian title. There is a hopeful sentiment among fans and players alike as they look forward to this important encounter.