Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play Against Al Hilal? Al Nassr Ace ‘Expected to Start’ in Riyadh Season Cup Clash

Cristiano Ronaldo‘s absence due to a calf injury has been marring Al Nassr’s image. The club faced fans’ wrath in China after they postponed two friendly matches because of CR7’s injury. Though Al Nassr secured a commanding win against Inter Miami, the injury sidelined him in what could have been his ‘last dance’ against Lionel Messi. Now, the Knights of Najd take on their domestic rivals in the Riyadh Season Cup in a few hours. Since the Al Nassr skipper has been nursing the injury lately, fans are again doubtful if he is match-ready for the Riyadh derby.

Al Nassr has failed to have the better of Al Hilal during their last two RSL meetings. Fortunately, the latest update on their marquee star, Cristiano Ronaldo, will give a glimmer of hope to Al-Alami.

Luis Castro and Co. have a positive update on Cristiano Ronaldo!

Per the latest updates, Luis Castro is expected to play Cristiano Ronaldo against Al Hilal. Some other reports even claim the coach has decided to start the veteran in the Riyadh derby. These updates come after CR7 actively participated in Al Nassr’s training sessions. Besides, the player himself had quashed his injury woes by saying “Back in action,” in one of his recent Instagram posts. Anyhow, his presence in the derby will be a game-time decision for coach Castro.

Furthermore, it is unsure if the 39-year-old will play for the whole 90 minutes. Castro will reportedly play Sadio Mane in the second half of the game. Therefore, CR7 would probably be substituted before the final whistle. Anyhow, the 5x-Ballon d’Or winner’s absence did not cost Al Nassr against Inter Miami. The former won the game 6-0. But Al Hilal tops the Saudi League table, 7 points clear of Al Nassr. Hence, it surely won’t be a walk in the park. It would be unwise for Al Nassr to heavily depend on CR7, considering his injury and the team’s crammed schedule.

Al Nassr’s tight schedule could aggravate Ronaldo’s injury woe

Should Cristiano Ronaldo play against Al Hilal, he will be resuming action after more than a month. After that, Al Nassr has a short 6-day break before their AFC Champions League RO16 tie against Al Fayha. Al Nassr then plays 4 matches without a sufficient gap between them. These clashes include decisive league matches and knockout fixtures.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo Extends Support to 2 Al Nassr Players Under Investigation Over Refusal to Play for Saudi Arabia

Ronaldo has joined Al Nassr as their MVP, and he is living up to that reputation. Last year, he scored 54 goals to beat his European counterparts and win the Golden Boot. Hence, it is paramount for the Riyadh-based club that their serial goalscorer remains healthy for the remainder of the season.

Do you expect Cristiano Ronaldo to contribute heavily against Al Hilal? Tell us in the comments.

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