️ Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr club has arrived in Tashkent for an upcoming AFC Champions League Elite match against Pakhtakor. However, the much-anticipated visit has been overshadowed by the conspicuous absence of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo from the travelling squad.

️ According to reports from the Saudi publication Arriyadiyah, head coach Ange Postekoglu has allegedly chosen to omit Ronaldo, along with defender Mohamed Simakan and forward Kingsley Coman, from the squad heading to Uzbekistan. Instead, the team has included 18-year-old striker Abdulrahman Sufyani, raising questions over the tactical approach and roster management of the club. *Ronaldo's *supposed* arrival had previously sparked immense enthusiasm among local fans, causing ticket demand for the fixture to skyrocket. With the star player ultimately staying behind, local supporters face major disappointment, severely impacting the anticipated spectacle of the match.

️ Despite the notable absence, Al Nassr is still expected to feature prominent players such as Senegalese forward Sadio Mane on the pitch. The encounter between Pakhtakor and Al Nassr is scheduled for November 2, as both teams struggle to improve their standings in the elite continental tournament.

Source: kun.uz