Al Nassr's title defence is showing signs of strain. A 1-1 draw at Al Khaleej in Matchday 7 left the reigning champions third in the Saudi Pro League table, two points behind Al Hilal, and the result sparked a wave of debate around the club's consistency and direction heading into the international break.

Coach Ange Postecoglou addressed the media after the draw and pointedly referenced Al Hilal in his post-match comments, a sign of the pressure building around a side that has now failed to win in two of their last three league matches. Questions have also surfaced around a controversial moment involving Cristiano Ronaldo during the previous Matchday 6 win over Abha, with a specific in-game incident drawing scrutiny from Saudi football observers days after the final whistle.

Off the pitch, the club's ownership future remains unsettled. Reports suggest companies interested in acquiring a stake from the Public Investment Fund may withdraw, while speculation continues over whether Ronaldo himself could seek a shareholding. Former executive Ibrahim Al-Muhaidib has also been linked with a potential return as part of a consortium.

On the squad front, three players are set to miss upcoming fixtures, and midfielder Marcelo Brozovic has agreed terms with a new club after leaving at the end of last season. Al Nassr return to action on 15 September in the AFC Champions League Elite against Al-Ain, a competition that adds further demands to an already stretched squad.