Setback for Al-Nassr as Ronaldo to miss AFC Champions League game

Al-Nassr’s star player Cristiano Ronaldo will miss his team’s upcoming AFC Champions League clash against Tajikistan-based club Istiklol, the club confirmed, according to GOAL.

The club management’s decision to rest the Portuguese forward comes despite his impressive form in the ongoing seasons — 2023-24. The superstar has scored as many as 26 goals for his side in 24 appearances.

Ronaldo — who always remains in headlines, while people keep comparing him and Argentine footballer Lionel Messi — has shown no signs of slowing down at the age of 38. He aims to secure major honours for his Saudi club, which roped him in with a massive paycheck.

In the ongoing season, Ronaldo scored three goals in continental competitions; however, due to the management’s decision to rest him, he won’t be able to extend his score when Al-Nassr goes up against Istiklol.

Ronaldo’s club leads Group E with 13 points and is unbeaten in five matches, helping them secure a spot in the last-16. Since they are in such good shape, according to GOAL, Ronaldo’s participation is unnecessary. The off time will allow him to recover completely.

The superstar was seen with tape during Al-Nassr’s match against Al-Hilal recently. The club’s captain has been suffering with a slight neck injury and Al-Nassr Manager Luis Castro’s decision to rest him provides the Portuguese forward to heal before his side’s match against Al-Riyadh on Friday.

In the last match against Al-Hilal, Ronaldo’s side suffered a 3-0 loss, following which fans at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh shamed the star player.

They chanted “Messi, Messi” when he was returning to the pavilion after the match ended. However, he did not fail to impress even then.

The football star kept his cool by responding to the unruly spectators with "flying kisses".