Explained: Why Cristiano Ronaldo will not play for Al-Nassr against Istiklol in AFC Champions League clash

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has hit another purple patch in 2023-24, with the Portuguese superstar showing no sign of slowing down at 38 years of age. He has, in a bid to land more major honours, registered 24 goals through 26 appearances this season.

Three of those have come in continental competition, but he will not be given an opportunity to enhance that record against Tajikistan-based Istiklol. It has been revealed that Al-Nassr boss Luis Castro will rest Ronaldo for a final continental outing in Group E.

Al-Nassr are, with 13 points taken from five unbeaten matches in the AFC Champions League so far, already safely through to the last-16. With that in mind, they have no need to field talismanic captain Ronaldo. Instead, he will be given a well-earned break.

Ronaldo has been nursing a slight neck injury of late, with tape strapped to him during a disappointing defeat to Saudi Pro League title rivals Al-Hilal last time out, and a timely breather will give him a chance to fully recover from that ailment before returning to action against Al-Riyadh on Friday – with Al-Nassr having a King Cup of Champions quarter-final clash with Al-Shabab to come after that.