The news has been confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be playing for Al-Nassr in their AFC Champions League match against Istiklol on Tuesday.
Despite being 38 years old, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to show his incredible form in the 2023-24 season, scoring 24 goals in 26 appearances as he strives to win more major titles.
Although Ronaldo has scored three goals in continental competition, he will not have the chance to add to that tally against Istiklol.
Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro has revealed that Ronaldo will be rested for their final group stage match in Group E.
Thanks to their impressive performance in the AFC Champions League so far, Al-Nassr have secured their spot in the last-16 with 13 points from five unbeaten matches.
With this in mind, there is no need for them to include their talismanic captain Ronaldo in the lineup. Instead, he will be given a well-deserved break.
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.
