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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Saudi Arabian outfit in continental action</li><li>Talismanic forward will not figure</li><li>Coach handing out well-deserved rest</li></ul>

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

AFC Champions League Elite

Al Nassr FC

Al-Sadd

Stars League

Al-Duhail SC

Al-Khor

The Portuguese superstar has been in sensational form for his Saudi Pro League employers this season, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/cristiano-ronaldo-nets-from-outside-the-area-portuguese-superstar-nassr/blta119291d8b17d3f2" target="_blank">21 goals recorded through 22 appearances in all competitions</a>. 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.

WHAT HAPPENED?

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.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

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.”

WHAT THEY SAID

Al-Nassr saw their <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/watch-cristiano-ronaldo-fury-jordan-henderson-exchange-al-nassr-victory-al-ettifaq-former-man-utd-liverpool-stars/bltd03b3c6341a26d37" target="_blank">last-16 clash with Al-Ettifaq in the King Cup of Champions</a> go to extra-time on October 31, before Sadio Mane netted a decisive goal in the 107th minute, while <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/cristiano-ronaldo-reacts-al-nassr-win-al-khaleej-saudi-pro-league/blt9e1c160345eb8e67" target="_blank">Ronaldo opened the scoring for them last time out</a> in a 2-0 victory over Al-Khaleej in the Pro League.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

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

Cristiano Ronaldo will not figure in Al-Nassr’s latest AFC Champions League fixture, head coach Luis Castro has confirmed.