After spearheading Al-Nassr to Arab Club Champions Cup glory, Cristiano Ronaldo left the pitch due to a concerning injury. The 38-year-old appeared to have taken a knock to his knee, leaving fans worried about his match fitness. His compatriot and manager, Luis Castro, has provided an update regarding his availability.
Speaking to the media, Castro stated, “Cristiano Ronaldo will be back as soon as possible from his injury.” His vague statement will offer little reassurance to fans who were hoping to see Ronaldo start the season strong with Al-Nassr. Although, his most recent display for the club provided plenty of positive signs.
🚨
LUIS CASTRO:
“Cristiano Ronaldo will be back as soon as possible from his injury.”pic.twitter.com/vvxyvBVJay
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) August 12, 2023
The striker started the cup final against Al-Hilal – Asia’s most decorated soccer outfit. After a tame first half, Al-Nassr conceded the opener in the 51st minute. Another setback followed in the form of a red card in the 74th minute. With his team in the dumps, Ronaldo rallied the side by tapping home the equalizer shortly after going a man down. He continued to be a potent threat in and around the box and eventually scored the winner. The Portugal International’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
Cristiano Ronaldo was carted off the field with an injury đź’” pic.twitter.com/fPNNvAvTYN
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 12, 2023
His five-star display was marred by an unfortunate injury, as Ronaldo had to be carted off the pitch just five minutes before the game’s conclusion. It remains to be seen if he’ll recover in time for the upcoming league match against Al-Taawoun.
Steven Gerrard Takes Advantage of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Absence for Al-Nassr vs Al-Ettifaq
Steven Gerrard‘s Ai-Ettifaq managed to profit from Ronaldo’s absence, as they downed Al-Nassr during their Saudi Pro League opener. The scoring began with Sadio Mane converting a drilled cross on his league debut, handing his side the advantage. However, Al-Nassr was unable to build upon their lead. And an outrageous goalkeeping error during the second half allowed Al-Ettifaq to get back into the game.
FULL TIME: Al Nassr lose their first league match of the season 2-1 to Steven Gerrard Al Ettifaq.
Cristiano Ronaldo heavily missed tonight pic.twitter.com/ge127ZuDZH
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) August 14, 2023
To add insult to injury, Moussa Dembele scored a simple tap in the 53rd minute. In the end, Al-Nassr was left with nothing to show for their efforts. The result serves to reflect the offensive urgency the team loses without Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence.