Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus has alleviated concerns regarding a potential serious injury to captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who limped off the field during Saturday’s 3-1 league victory over Al Fayha.
The 41-year-old was substituted in the 81st minute and was seen with an ice pack on his right hamstring shortly thereafter while seated on the bench.
“He experienced muscular fatigue,” Jorge Jesus explained post-match.
“Once we went ahead 2-1, I didn’t want to take any risks, so I took him out. The medical team will evaluate his condition, but it seems to be just muscle fatigue.”
Despite a challenging performance, in which he missed a penalty and did not score from open play, Al Nassr secured the win, moving two points ahead of Al Ahli and reclaiming the top spot in the Saudi Pro League.
“We keep growing together! Important win!” Ronaldo shared on Instagram after the match.
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Fortunately for Ronaldo, he has some time to recover, as Al Nassr announced that their Asian Champions League quarterfinal match against Al Wasl, originally scheduled for March 4, has been postponed indefinitely due to ongoing military conflict in the area.
Currently, Ronaldo ranks third in the Saudi Pro League scoring table with 21 goals, while English forward Ivan Toney leads with 23 goals from 23 appearances for Al Ahli.