Al Nassr have started preparations for the 2026-27 season without captain Cristiano Ronaldo, leading to questions among supporters about the Portuguese star’s absence.
However, Ronaldo’s delayed arrival is not linked to a dispute with the club or the coaching staff.
The Al Nassr captain has been given additional leave following the end of his participation with Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.
The decision is designed to give Ronaldo enough time to recover physically and mentally before returning to training ahead of another demanding season.
Al Nassr have been in direct contact with Ronaldo to arrange a suitable date for his arrival at the club’s summer training camp.
The Portuguese forward has reportedly been given flexibility over his return as part of an agreed plan involving the player, the club and the coaching staff.
Al Nassr do not want to rush their captain back into intensive training after a long campaign and a demanding international tournament.
The objective is for Ronaldo to return in good physical condition before gradually increasing his workload.
New Al Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou has approved an extended period of rest for Ronaldo following Portugal’s World Cup campaign.
The Australian coach and his staff believe that proper recovery is more important than immediately placing the forward into full team training.
Ronaldo played a demanding series of matches during the tournament, adding to the physical workload accumulated over the season.
Postecoglou therefore wants the veteran forward’s return to be carefully managed before the start of competitive action.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to begin a specially designed fitness programme when he joins the Al Nassr camp.
The programme will gradually improve his physical condition rather than immediately exposing him to the highest training intensity.
Ronaldo is also expected to be closely monitored by the club’s coaching and medical staff.
The objective is to prepare the forward for official competition while reducing the risk of unnecessary fatigue before the new season.
Despite questions surrounding Ronaldo’s absence, reports indicate that the situation is part of an agreed plan.
Al Nassr are working with the player to determine a clear schedule for his return.
Ronaldo remains a central figure in the club’s plans, making the management of his physical condition particularly important.
The decision to give him additional time off is therefore intended to help him return in the best possible shape.
The 2026-27 season will begin a new chapter for Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr under Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian coach is known for a demanding style of football built around pressing, movement and attacking intensity.
Physical preparation will therefore play an important role as Ronaldo adapts to the requirements of the new coaching staff.
Al Nassr supporters will be watching closely to see how Postecoglou builds his team around the club captain.
Al Nassr enter the new season with major ambitions across several competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to remain one of the team’s most important attacking players because of his experience and goalscoring ability.
The coaching staff are likely to use a gradual approach to prepare the forward, beginning with individual fitness work before increasing his involvement in group sessions.
The main objective is to have Ronaldo fully prepared for the club’s most important competitive fixtures.
Al Nassr have not officially announced a final date for Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the training camp.
The club are continuing to coordinate with the player to determine the most suitable time for him to join the squad.
Once he arrives, Ronaldo is expected to begin the special fitness and conditioning programme prepared by the coaching staff.
His absence from the start of pre-season is therefore understood to be part of a planned recovery process rather than a problem between the player and Al Nassr.