Cristiano Ronaldo is awaiting the results of an urgent medical scan after limping off during Al Nassr’s 3-1 Saudi Professional League (SPL) victory over Al-Fayha on Saturday, casting a shadow over his ambitions to play at a record sixth World Cup this summer.
The 41-year-old was withdrawn in the 81st minute, and was spotted shortly after on the bench with an ice pack strapped to his right hamstring. According to Saudi outlet Al Riyadiyah, Ronaldo underwent an MRI scan at a specialised medical centre, with initial tests confirming discomfort in his right hamstring, suggesting the issue is slightly more serious than simple muscle fatigue.
Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus sought to ease concerns after the final whistle. “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,” Jesus said.
Ronaldo also endured a frustrating afternoon on the ball, missing a penalty early in the contest, the 35th spot-kick he has failed to convert throughout his career. He has scored 21 league goals this season and remains within touching distance of a historic personal milestone, needing just 35 more strikes to become the first player ever to reach 1,000 career goals.
The timing of the injury has raised significant concerns about Ronaldo’s participation at the World Cup, which kicks off in just three months. Should it prove serious, the veteran forward could be denied what would be an unprecedented sixth appearance at football’s showpiece tournament. Portugal have been drawn alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and one of DR Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia in the group stage.
The victory keeps Al Nassr two points clear of Al Ahli at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings, with Al Hilal a further point behind.
