Al Nassr begin their title defence under new head coach Ange Postecoglou carrying the weight of two serious concerns: Cristiano Ronaldo has not yet returned to pre-season training, and the club has been dealing with a reported financial crisis that sources suggest may now be easing.

Ronaldo's absence is the most pressing issue. The Portuguese forward has been on an extended summer break since Portugal's World Cup exit to Spain in the round of 16, and reports indicate he is preparing for his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. With the new Saudi Pro League season opening on August 15 against Al Fateh at Al-Awwal Park, fewer than ten days remain and no return date has been confirmed. The question of whether he will be physically and tactically ready is one the club cannot yet answer.

Off the pitch, Al Nassr have been managing the fallout from reports of debts reaching 800 million Saudi riyals, with some staff and players said to have gone unpaid. More recent reports suggest the financial block on transfers has been lifted, offering some relief as the club tries to finalise its squad. One complicated subplot is the future of goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, who has reportedly told the board he wants to leave. His agent was recently in Lisbon, suggesting a move to Portugal is close, with a local replacement being identified.

Postecoglou's pre-season has also thrown up warning signs on the pitch. Al Nassr lost 4-2 to lower-league Astria Amadora with ten men, following earlier defeats in Portugal. The new manager finished last season's campaign as Saudi Pro League champions with 86 points, two ahead of Al Hilal, and now faces the challenge of retaining that title while rebuilding squad stability.