Cristiano Ronaldo is set to sit out for Al-Nassr in Tuesday’s AFC Champions League match against Istiklol. Al Nassr appears to be resting its talisman because they have already qualified for the ACL 2023-24 Knockouts. The Al Nassr vs Istiklol match will take place on December 5th at Central Republic Stadium. Al Nassr boasts of an unbeaten run in the group stages as Ishtiklol is already out of contention.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has entered a point in 2023-24, with the Portuguese great showing no signs of slowing down at 38 years old. In his attempt for additional big awards, he has scored 24 goals in 26 outings this season.
Three of them have come in continental competition, but he will not get the chance to improve his record against Tajikistan-based Istiklol. According to Goal, Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro has indicated that he will rest Ronaldo for his last continental match in Group E.
With 13 points from five undefeated matches in the AFC Champions League, Al-Nassr has already qualified for the last-16. They do not need to start their lucky captain, Ronaldo, in light of this. Instead, he can a well-deserved break. Furthermore, Sadio Mane’s recent form, as well as the presence of players like Otavio and Talisca, allows them to do so.
Ronaldo has been nursing a minor neck injury and had tape wrapped around his neck during a dismal loss to Saudi Pro League championship rivals Al-Hilal. A timely rest will allow him to fully recuperate from his injury before returning to play against Al-Riyadh on Friday. Following that, Al-Nassr will face Al-Shabab in the quarter-finals of the King Cup of Champions.
