Cristiano Ronaldo, 38, continues to attract a huge following while playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
The Portuguese superstar has been in fine form throughout the season, scoring 17 goals in 19 games so far while also registering nine assists in all competitions. After 12 games, he leads the Saudi Professional League in both goals and assists, proving his importance to the team.
However, it is this key role that has head coach Luis Castro worried about Ronaldo’s heavy workload. Apart from getting some rest in the first game of the league and the first game of the Copa del Rey, Ronaldo has played every minute in every game in all competitions this season.
With Al Nasr firmly at the top of their AFC Champions League group, Castro has decided to prioritize the league for now – affecting Ronaldo’s availability for midweek’s away game in Doha.
More: Watch AFC Champions League USA on Paramount+
Why Cristiano Ronaldo won’t play for Al Nasr vs Al Duhail?
Al Nasr head coach Luis Castro confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will not represent Al Nasr in the AFC Champions League match against Al Duhair on November 7.
Castro said that Ronaldo has a heavy workload this season and needs to rest. “Cristiano Ronaldo will not play against Duhaile because he is tired from playing too many games,” Castro said at the pre-match press conference.
“I know there are people who want to see him but he needs to rest. He is not ready yet but we have a lot of stars. I have not decided to rule out the legend Cristiano Ronaldo but his quality determines it because 48 hours ago I There was one game where I played 120 minutes before that.”
Defender Aymeric Laporte will also be rested after reportedly suffering a minor injury during the weekend’s league match against Al-Kari.Laporte reportedly did not travel with the team to Doha saudi arabia journalist.
🚨Luis Castro
“I know there are people who want to see Ronaldo, but he needs to rest.” pic.twitter.com/va8FCBwzb7
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) November 6, 2023
When will Cristiano Ronaldo return to Al Nasr?
Ronaldo is likely to return to Al Nasr’s squad for their next league match, which takes place against eighth-placed Alveida on Saturday, November 11.
At this time, the league is much more important to Al Nasr than the remaining three AFC Champions League group matches. Al Nasr top the group with a maximum of nine points after the first three games and will likely make it to the knockout rounds no matter what.
Meanwhile, they trail leaders Al Hilal by four points in the Saudi Professional League table, so Castro has decided he can take a chance on continental competition for the time being to ensure the fitness of his key players in the league.
Ronaldo, 38, has played a long time at this point in the season and his importance in the team is crucial. Between the Saudi Professional League, the AFC Champions League, the Copa del Rey and the Arab Club Champions League, Ronaldo has played 1,675 minutes in 19 games, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists.
Who will replace Cristiano Ronaldo in Alnas’ squad?
exist ronaldoIn absence, Castro may deploy Abdulrahman Gharib Get off the wing and move Sadio Mane Shift into center forward role.
Anderson Talisca He will also return to the starting line-up on the other side of Al Nasr after being suspended from the league at the weekend due to a red card in the previous game.
through the middle, Ottavio He performed well in organizing the offense, scoring goals and winning key fouls with his excellent dribbling ability. Overall, Al Nasr should still provide plenty of attacking threat without Ronaldo.
Ali Rajami or Abdullah Madou Is it possible to have a replacement for the injured person’s back? Aymeric Laporte.
Al Nasr’s projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Alachidi (GK) – Alganem, Alamri, Madu, Kassim Brozovic, Haibari – Ottavio, Talisca, Gharib – Mane.
How to watch the AFC Champions League Al Duhair vs Al Nasr match
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use: The rights to broadcast the AFC Champions League in the United States are owned by CBS. All games will be broadcast on the streaming service Paramount+, with select games also available on the free streaming service CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Australia: Australian fans can watch AFC Champions League matches on the streaming service Paramount+.
According to the AFC’s official broadcast list, countries that currently do not have a broadcast partner include U.K., Canadaand New Zealand Among other things.