Cristiano Ronaldo will not figure for Al-Nassr in their AFC Champions League clash with Istiklol on Tuesday, it has been revealed.
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Portuguese superstar has been in fine formNursing a slight neck injury at presentWill be rested in continental competitionWHAT HAPPENED?
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has hit another purple patch in 2023-24, with the Portuguese superstar showing no sign of slowing down at 38 years of age. He has, in a bid to land more major honours, registered 24 goals through 26 appearances this season.
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Three of those have come in continental competition, but he will not be given an opportunity to enhance that record against Tajikistan-based Istiklol. It has been revealed that Al-Nassr boss Luis Castro will rest Ronaldo for a final continental outing in Group E.
DID YOU KNOW?
Al-Nassr are, with 13 points taken from five unbeaten matches in the AFC Champions League so far, already safely through to the last-16. With that in mind, they have no need to field talismanic captain Ronaldo. Instead, he will be given a well-earned break.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?
Ronaldo has been nursing a slight neck injury of late, with tape strapped to him during a disappointing defeat to Saudi Pro League title rivals Al-Hilal last time out, and a timely breather will give him a chance to fully recover from that ailment before returning to action against Al-Riyadh on Friday – with Al-Nassr having a King Cup of Champions quarter-final clash with Al-Shabab to come after that.