Al-Nassr look to struggle without the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo and fans are worried whether or not his injury last weekend will keep him off the roster sheet any longer in the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo injury vs. Al-Hilal in Arab Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr to their first Arab Cup last Saturday, Aug. 12th, after scoring two goals to turn the tie around against rival Al-Hilal that sealed the victory for his team. He managed to score a brace all while playing with 10 men.
GOAL | Al-Hilal 1-1 Al-Nassr | Cristiano Ronaldopic.twitter.com/6bA8laUcdk
— VAR Tático (@vartatico) August 12, 2023
GOAL | Al-Hilal 1-2 Al-Nassr | Cristiano Ronaldopic.twitter.com/Y3Ag18i2GV
— VAR Tático (@vartatico) August 12, 2023
The clutchest player of all time being clutch.
However, minutes before the final whistle, a fatigued Ronaldo was forced off the pitch after an apparent knee injury on his left leg. He was carted off the field in tears.
Ronaldo stretchered off in an ambulance with a back injury for carrying Al Nassr to their first ever Arab Champions League Cup pic.twitter.com/v0pHpLREU2
— LLF (@laligafrauds) August 12, 2023
Considering we don’t usually see these expressions from Ronaldo after being subbed off due to an injury, the scenario wasn’t looking pretty.
Fortunately for the Knights of Najd and Ronaldo, his absence on the field in the final minutes didn’t obstruct Al-Nassr’s way to victory and they managed to obtain their first trophy of the season after holding on to the 2-1 lead.
Extremely proud to helped the team winning this important trophy for the 1st time!
Thank you to everyone in the club that was involved in this great achievement and to my familly and friends for always being by my side!
Fantastic support by our fans!This also belongs to you! pic.twitter.com/MGDxXc7AD3— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) August 12, 2023
El Bicho’s injury didn’t get in the way of him celebrating the trophy, though. Moments after the injury and being assisted to even take a seat on the team bench, Ronaldo was seen jumping, dancing, smiling and even laughing as Al-Nassr lifted their trophy and celebrated with their fans. “Laugh now, cry later,” right?
Cristiano Ronaldo dancing with the trophy
He is so happy. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QwOYQrxks2— TC (@totalcristiano) August 12, 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo misses Al-Nassr league opening defeat: How long will he be out injured for?
The star-studded Al-Nassr might need Cristiano Ronaldo more than people thought.
Al-Nassr played Al-Ettifaq Monday in what was the opening matchday of the Saudi Pro League season. They faced off against Steven Gerrard (manager) and latest signing Jordan Henderson.
The Champions Start the League Journey @AlNassrFC #Ettifaq
For another glory.. Let’s go, Nassr! pic.twitter.com/UDV3RpMw39
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 14, 2023
With injured Cristiano unable to make an appearance after picking up an injury against Al-Hilal on Saturday, Sadio Mané took charge as the main attacking threat and scored an early goal to put the Yellows ahead. It only took Sadio four minutes.
However, a fantastic restart by Gerrard’s men in the second-half turned the score around and essentially sealed Al-Ettifaq’s 2-1 victory in the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium. A frustrating defeat for the Arab Cup champions.
With the poor start to their Saudi Pro League journey, all with an apparent struggle without the presence of Ronaldo on the pitch, getting the Portuguese star fit for the matches ahead is certainly crucial for Al-Nassr in not falling behind in the league table. Though, when would that be?
There’s still to be an assessment to the 38-year-old’s injury, but according to Al-Nassr's manager, although the injury seemed severe, Ronaldo would likely be back sooner rather than later.
“Cristiano Ronaldo will be back as soon as possible from his injury,” said the manager after their victory last Saturday.
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
Considering there’s no need for surgery, it’s likely that Ronaldo suffered a sprain that will see him out of any action for a couple of weeks, meaning he would miss around three league fixtures.
Al-Nassr’s next league challenge will be this Friday, Aug. 18th against Al-Taawoun.