Cristiano Ronaldo has been dealt an injury concern just months before the FIFA World Cup.
The 41-year-old forward was taken off during Al-Nassr’s 3-1 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Feyha after showing signs of a muscle issue.
With what is anticipated to be his final World Cup on the horizon, the development raises fresh questions.
Ronaldo exits early with muscle fatigue concern
Ronaldo missed an early penalty when the match was still level at 0-0 before later gesturing toward the bench while appearing uncomfortable.
He departed in the 80th minute, soon after Al-Nassr moved ahead, and was later spotted on the bench with an ice pack on the back of his knee.
The substitution followed a similar early exit against Al-Najma earlier in the week, marking back-to-back matches without completing the full contest. Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus addressed the situation after the match.
“He felt muscular fatigue. After we made it 2-1, I didn’t want to risk it, and I replaced him. The medical department will assess his condition, but what he felt was just muscle fatigue.”
World Cup timeline heightens concern
The setback comes with the World Cup just three months away, intensifying focus on Ronaldo’s fitness.
Portugal have been drawn with Colombia, Uzbekistan, and one of DR Congo, Jamaica, or New Caledonia in the group stage.
Ronaldo sits 35 goals short of 1,000 in his professional career and has netted 21 league goals this season as Al-Nassr leads the Saudi Pro League standings.
An extended layoff would cloud preparations for what is expected to be his sixth appearance on the tournament’s biggest stage.
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