Is Cristiano Ronaldo injured? Why Portuguese superstar will miss Al-Nassr’s next match in the AFC Champions League

The Portuguese superstar has been in sensational form for his Saudi Pro League employers this season, with 21 goals recorded through 22 appearances in all competitions. Three of those efforts have come in continental action, with Al-Nassr requiring only a point against Al-Duhail on Tuesday in order to progress out of their group and into the knockout stages.

Ronaldo will not be aiding that quest, with the decision taken to hand the talismanic 38-year-old a well-deserved break. The all-time great is not nursing an injury, with Castro merely deciding that rest is required following a hectic run of games.

Castro has told reporters when explaining why Ronaldo will not line up against Qatari opponents that include the likes of Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho within their ranks: “Cristiano Ronaldo will not participate in the Al-Duhail match because he is tired due to his many participations. I know that there are those who want to see him, but he needs to rest. He is not ready, but we have many stars. I did not decide to exclude the legend Cristiano Ronaldo, but his capabilities decided that. Because 48 hours ago he played a match, and before that he played 120 minutes.”

Al-Nassr saw their last-16 clash with Al-Ettifaq in the King Cup of Champions go to extra-time on October 31, before Sadio Mane netted a decisive goal in the 107th minute, while Ronaldo opened the scoring for them last time out in a 2-0 victory over Al-Khaleej in the Pro League.