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Ronaldo left out: CR7 misses Al-Nassr's Asian clash as 1,000-goal dream pauses

Cristiano Ronaldo's pursuit of 1,000 career goals will have to wait.

The Al-Nassr captain has been left out of the squad travelling to Uzbekistan for Monday's AFC Champions League Elite encounter against Pakhtakor.

However, the decision is not related to an injury or disciplinary issue. Head coach Ange Postecoglou confirmed that Ronaldo, alongside Kingsley Coman and Mohamed Simakan, would be rested to manage the demands of a congested fixture schedule and extensive travel.

Speaking ahead of the match, Postecoglou explained that the decision was made with the players' workload in mind.

JUST 15 GOALS AWAY FROM HISTORY

Ronaldo heads into the break in impressive scoring form.

The Portuguese superstar scored a sensational hat-trick in Al-Nassr's 5–3 victory over Al-Kholood on October 29, taking his career tally to 985 goals.

That leaves him just 15 goals away from reaching the extraordinary 1,000-goal milestone in official senior matches.

At 41, Ronaldo continues to chase a record that would add another remarkable chapter to his legendary career.

SECURITY CONCERNS SURROUND ASIAN FOOTBALL

Ronaldo's absence also comes amid wider uncertainty surrounding Asian football competitions.

Al-Nassr's previous continental fixture against Al-Wasl was postponed after the UAE club declined to travel to Saudi Arabia over safety concerns.

An earlier Al-Nassr home fixture against Neftchi Fergana had also experienced a delay following a security alert.

Although these developments have raised questions about the regional situation, Postecoglou specifically cited fixture congestion and travel demands as the reason for resting Ronaldo.

WHEN WILL RONALDO RETURN?

Ronaldo is expected to return for Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Hazem on November 6, subject to team selection and fitness.

His absence against Pakhtakor means supporters will have to wait a little longer to see whether he can move closer to the 1,000-goal landmark.

THE BIG QUESTION

At 985 career goals, Ronaldo is entering the final stretch of one of football's most extraordinary individual milestones.

Will the Portuguese legend become the first player to reach 1,000 official senior career goals?

For now, the countdown continues.

985 goals. 15 to go. The wait goes on.

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