Portuguese raised fears of a muscle injury at a crucial stage of the season after being forced off against Al Fayha
Al-Nassr have not won the Saudi Pro League title in the last seven years, but this season not only do they have a chance to end that barren spell, they can do it while Cristiano Ronaldo wins his first major trophy in Saudi Arabia.
The Portugal international has not won an officially recognised trophy since moving to the Middle East in 2023. This season Al-Nassr are two points clear at the top of the league with 10 games to go.
However, there were some concerns after Ronaldo limped off during Saturday’s 3-1 win over Al Fayha.
The 41-year-old was substituted in the 81st minute and was later seen on the bench with an ice pack applied to his right hamstring. It raised fears of a potential muscle injury at a crucial stage of the season when his experience and ability on the pitch will be most needed.
But manager Jorge Jesus has said the decision to withdraw the forward was largely precautionary.
“He felt muscular fatigue,” Jesus said after the game. “After we made it 2-1, I didn’t want to risk it and I replaced him. The medical department will assess his condition, but what he felt was just muscle fatigue.”
It was a frustrating evening individually for Ronaldo, who failed to score from open play and also missed a penalty.
Ronaldo posted on social media after the match: “We keep growing together! Important win!”
Any immediate pressure regarding his fitness has eased further after confirmation that Al-Nassr’s Asian Champions League quarter-final against Al Wasl FC, originally scheduled for 4 March, has been postponed due to military conflict in the region. It means the Portuguese can have additional recovery time.
Ronaldo is among the league’s leading scorers with 21 goals this season, trailing only Ivan Toney, who leads the scoring charts with 23 goals for Al Ahli.
