Following a disappointing defeat in the derby against Al Hilal, Al Nassr will be back in action. The Riyadh side will be traveling to Tajikistan to play their AFC Champions League group-stage fixture against Istiklol. Hours before the game, news emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo would be absent from this match. While fans wonder about his unexpected news, artificial turf might be one reason for CR7’s absence, hinted Luis Castro.

A victory in this fixture would take Al Nassr to the next stage of the competition. But it remains to be seen how they manage to win the match in the likely absence of their star player. 

Is Cristiano Ronaldo deliberately missing due to artificial turf?

Tonight, Al Nassr will play their final group stage match against FC Istiklol at the Central Republican Stadium. Interestingly, the pitch of the stadium isn’t a normal grass field; instead, it is made of artificial turf. Ahead of the fixture, Al Nassr boss Luis Castro spoke about his thoughts on playing on a surface where they have never played before. 

The Portuguese tactician expressed his doubts about whether his side would be able to play on the surface. He said, “We will play tomorrow for the first time on an artificial field. We do not know what will happen and we will try to adapt quickly.”

Artificial turf is known to be injury-prone for players. Perhaps this justifies Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from tonight’s fixture, as Al Nassr doesn’t want to lose their star player due to injury as he’s been vital to their successful season.

Notably, Ronaldo isn’t the only one missing the game. Marcelo Brozovic will miss the game as he is suspended after getting three yellow cards. Meanwhile, Alex Telles will miss the game due to his injury in the previous fixture. 

READ MORE: “Legal Action Will Be Taken”- After Trash Talking Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Hilal Star to Drag Fans to Court for Online Insults

Interestingly, in the very same pre-match interview, Castro slammed a journalist who questioned Ronaldo’s absence. 

Luis Castro heats up when confronted over Ronaldo’s absence 

A journalist inquired about Castro’s choice to drop Cristiano Ronaldo, expecting an insightful response. However, Castro was dissatisfied by the question and asserted, “Today I am a coach for Al Nassr Club and I am not a fan.” He continued, “I respect you well (the reporter), but you cannot ask this question about Cristiano Ronaldo.” 

It was quite evident that Castro wasn’t receptive to any skepticism surrounding his decision-making. Notably, aside from artificial turf, there’s the possibility that Cristiano Ronaldo might be dealing with a neck injury sustained against Persepolis.

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