Cristiano Ronaldo is facing an injury issue just months before the FIFA World Cup.
The 41-year-old forward was substituted during Al-Nassr’s 3-1 win against Al-Feyha due to a muscle concern.
This situation raises new questions as the World Cup approaches, likely to be his last.
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Ronaldo exits early due to muscle fatigue
Ronaldo missed a penalty when the match was still tied at 0-0 and later indicated discomfort to the bench.
He left the field in the 80th minute, shortly after Al-Nassr took the lead, and was seen on the bench with an ice pack on his knee.
This early exit follows a similar situation in a recent match against Al-Najma, marking two consecutive games without finishing.
Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus commented, “He felt muscular fatigue. After we scored the second goal, I didn’t want to take a risk, so I substituted him. The medical team will evaluate him, but it appears to be only muscle fatigue.”
World Cup timeline increases concern
This injury comes as the World Cup is just three months away, increasing worries about Ronaldo’s fitness.
Portugal is grouped with Colombia, Uzbekistan, and one of DR Congo, Jamaica, or New Caledonia in the initial stages.
Ronaldo is 35 goals away from reaching 1,000 in his professional career and has scored 21 league goals this season, helping Al-Nassr lead the Saudi Pro League.
A prolonged absence could impact his preparations for what may be his sixth World Cup appearance.