Al Nassr already had a mixed season this year with many highs and lows. The team was one favorite to win multiple tournaments but is left with a shot at just one. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo is the major reason for fans’ joy, but another absence during the last few games of the season could hurt them. And it looks like the Portuguese star is slightly uncertain for tomorrow’s game, once again.
Al Nassr takes on Al Akhdoud tomorrow without their head coach, Luis Castro. Reports now reveal that Ronaldo’s participation will also be decided later today. According to Saudi journalist Abdulaziz Al Osaimi, Ronaldo was satisfied with his gym session yesterday, but whether he will play at Najran is not determined yet. The news will raise fan curiosity with only five more games to watch their favorite star.
أكتفى الاسطورة يوم أمس بالتدريبات الداخلية بالصالة الرياضية. وسيتحدد اليوم
إمكانية مشاركته يوم الغد
من عدمها.— عبدالعزيز العصيمي (@a_altamimi11) May 8, 2024
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Meanwhile, the 39-year-old also had a challenging season despite his exploits on the pitch. Ronaldo suffered a calf injury in January, which resulted in Al Nassr canceling their China tour and opting out of the Riyadh Season Cup clash against Inter Miami. In addition, the star also faced a few suspensions because of a few controversial decisions. Considering his immaculate fitness levels and strength, these glitches were already surprising for many, and they did not want to see the star miss any more matches.
On the other hand, Ronaldo can set the record for most Saudi League goals in a single season if he plays. Leading the race for the Golden Boot by netting 32 already, he can overtake Moroccan superstar Abderazzak Hamdallah’s feat of 34 in the 2018-19 season. However, considering his significance in the team and some tough fixtures coming up, it’s the player who will take the call.
Al Nassr to rely on Cristiano Ronaldo in season’s finale
Al Nassr will head to Prince Hathloul Sports City without Luis Castro, who is restricted from traveling because of his health. The challenge is slightly easier against Al Akhdoud, against which Ronaldo scored two goals last time around. However, the skipper will be pivotal for the club’s following fixtures against Al Hilal and Al Ittihad. The club will play Al Hilal twice this month, including the King’s Cup final on May 31st.
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On the other hand, Jorge Jesus’ team has been the biggest stumbling block for Al Nassr. CR7 and Co. are yet to defeat them this season, losing the two previous clashes. Apart from holding the league title, Al Nassr was also deprived of the Saudi Super Cup in a controversial Ronaldo send-off.
Moreover, their ace player Aleksandar Mitrović is also back with a bang, leading their win against Al Ahli. With so much still left this season, the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner will not take anything lightly. And with records to be broken and matches to be won, will Ronaldo start on Thursday? Let us know in the comments.