Cristiano Ronaldo has been absent from recent action for Al-Nassr, leaving fans wondering when the Portuguese superstar will return to the pitch. The club’s head coach Jorge Jesus has now provided an update regarding Ronaldo’s recovery timeline following the team’s latest league outing.
Ronaldo misses Al-Nassr’s dominant victory
Al-Nassr delivered a commanding 5-0 win over Al-Khaleej, but the victory came without two of the club’s biggest stars in the lineup. Ronaldo and Sadio Mane were both absent from the matchday squad due to minor fitness concerns.
Despite the convincing result, the absence of the attacking duo sparked immediate questions about their availability and the seriousness of their respective issues.
The club opted to rest both players as a precautionary measure, prioritizing their long-term fitness during a demanding stretch of the season.
Jorge Jesus confirms expected return window
Speaking to the media after the win, Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus addressed the situation and confirmed that supporters will have to wait until after the international break to see Cristiano Ronaldo back in action.
"Ronaldo and Mane should return after the international break. Everyone knows that they are great players, they will be out for a while. Mane felt pain a few days ago and we decided to leave him out, he will be fit after the break," the coach explained.
The update indicates that Ronaldo’s absence is not related to a long-term injury, but rather a short recovery period to ensure he returns at full fitness.
Al-Nassr managing key players carefully
With the season entering a crucial phase, Al-Nassr appear to be taking a cautious approach with their star players. Cristiano Ronaldo remains a central figure for the Saudi club, both in terms of leadership and goal-scoring output.
Meanwhile, Mane’s temporary setback also influenced the coaching staff’s decision to keep him sidelined for the recent fixture.
The international break now offers valuable recovery time for both players before the club resumes domestic and continental competitions.
If recovery progresses as expected, Ronaldo’s return after the break will provide a major boost for Al-Nassr as they continue their push in the ongoing campaign.