Al Nassr begin their title defence under new head coach Ange Postecoglou carrying the weight of unresolved problems off the pitch, and the biggest immediate concern is the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. Saudi reports confirm the Portuguese captain will miss at least the first two matches of the new season, with his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez keeping him away from pre-season preparations. The club's opener against Al Fateh at Al-Awwal Park on August 15 will arrive without its most recognisable player fit and ready, a significant setback for a side that only just returned to the summit of Saudi football after a seven-year wait.

The managerial change adds further uncertainty. Jorge Jesus, the architect of last season's title win, has departed, and Postecoglou takes charge of a squad that faces real financial pressure. Reports suggest Al Nassr's debts reached 800 million Saudi riyals, though the club surprised supporters by completing the signing of Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa despite those constraints.

In the goalkeeper department, a prolonged dispute over Nawaf Al-Aqidi's future continues to drag. The club wants him gone, Al Fateh have been the most interested party, but negotiations have stalled and a swap deal is now being explored. A local replacement is reportedly being lined up, though questions remain about whether that move would comply with professional league regulations.

With Ronaldo's fitness timeline unclear, a new manager still building his squad, and financial pressures limiting transfer activity, Al Nassr face a demanding start to their defence of the Saudi Pro League title.