As the international break momentarily halts until the summer, domestic soccer action resumes with heightened anticipation. Al Nassr gears up to face Al Tai in what promises to be a pivotal match in their title pursuit. However, mere hours before kickoff, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. have reportedly been dealt a severe setback, with not one but three players ruled out for the upcoming clash. 

The list includes midfielder Abdullah Al-Khaibari, right-back Sultan Al-Ghannam, and center-back Abdulelah Al-Amri. While the reason for their absence in the upcoming match hasn’t been stated, it is alleged that they are not fit to face the away side at the Al Awwal Stadium. This certainly poses problems for Luis Castro ahead of the match. Notably, just days ago, the Portuguese tactician lost winger Anderson Talisca, who sustained a thigh injury that has practically ended his campaign. 

In fact, the atmosphere at Al Nassr is currently tense following their disappointing exit from the AFC Champions League quarterfinals at the hands of Al Ain. Despite a narrow win against Al Ahli Saudi before the international break, they still trail behind Al Hilal by 12 points in the Saudi Pro League. Therefore, a victory in Saturday’s late-night clash is imperative.

The Knights of the Najd currently occupy 2nd place with 56 points, while Al Tai is fighting relegation, sitting in 18th place with just 22 points. Although a straightforward win for Al Nassr seems likely, surprises cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, Ronaldo and his teammates can expect increased challenges in their pursuit of silverware as the season progresses.

How Saudi Arabia’s temperature can crush Al Nassr’s silverware hopes 

Having been eliminated from the AFC Champions League, CR7 and his team are now focused on competing for the Saudi League title and the King’s Cup. However, their path to success won’t be easy, especially considering the intense heat of the Middle East. Former Al Nassr boss Rui Vitoria highlighted this challenge, stating, “There is always a problem, which is the temperature. When we were playing in Jeddah, there were players hallucinating and losing consciousness between halftime.” 

So what kind of heat are talking about? While players may enjoy their time in Saudi Arabia, the summer heat poses a formidable challenge. Temperatures often exceed 45°C in the Middle East, testing teams’ resilience and determination. This harsh weather condition could be a significant obstacle to the team’s aspirations. Ronaldo and his teammates need to prepare themselves for a scorching summer if they aim to achieve success on the field. Otherwise, they shall prepare themselves for upset.

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Internal Issues Blamed for Cristiano Ronaldo-Led Al Nassr’s Woes, While Luis Castro Receives Clear Verdict