Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, will miss Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League Elite debut match against Al-Shorta in Iraq due to a viral infection. The news of Ronaldo's absence was confirmed by his Saudi Arabian club in a statement released on Sunday.
The statement read: “Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo was not feeling well today and was diagnosed with a viral infection. The team’s doctor confirmed he needs to rest and stay at home. As a result, he will not be traveling with the team to Iraq today. We wish our captain a speedy recovery.”
Ronaldo's absence is a significant blow to Al-Nassr, who are looking to make a strong start in the new-look AFC Champions League Elite. The tournament has undergone significant changes, featuring 24 teams split evenly into East and West groups. Each team will face eight different opponents during the group stage, with the top eight teams from each zone advancing to the last 16.
The new format has been met with excitement and anticipation, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where the country has invested heavily in the game in recent years. The Saudi Pro League has attracted some of the world's biggest names, including Ronaldo, Neymar, and Sadio Mane, and the league is hoping to establish itself as a major force in Asian football. The new format has also seen the tournament rebranded as the Asian Champions League Elite, with the final stages set to take place in Saudi Arabia from April 25 to May 4.
Ronaldo's absence will undoubtedly be felt by Al-Nassr, but the team still boasts a formidable lineup, including the likes of Aymeric Laporte, Sadio Mane, and Marcelo Brozovic. It remains to be seen whether they can overcome the challenge of Al-Shorta in their absence.
While Ronaldo's absence is a setback for Al-Nassr, it's worth noting that the club is still in its early stages of its rebuild under manager Luis Castro. Since his arrival, the club has made significant progress, but it's clear that they still have a lot of work to do to reach their full potential. However, with the new format of the AFC Champions League Elite, they have a chance to prove themselves on the continental stage and compete for the coveted trophy.
Ronaldo's debut in the Elite tournament could now come against Qatari club Al-Rayyan on Sept. 20 in Riyadh. This match will provide him with a chance to showcase his talent and help Al-Nassr secure a victory in their quest for continental glory.
