Cristiano Ronaldo fitness update ahead of AFC Champions League game as Al Nassr captain is laid low with illness

Joe Wright

Cristiano Ronaldo fitness update ahead of AFC Champions League game as Al Nassr captain is laid low with illness image

Al Nassr were dealt a blow as captain Cristiano Ronaldo was ruled out of their AFC Champions League match against Al Shorta on September 16.

The Saudi Pro League side journeyed to Baghdad on Sunday ahead of the fixture with the Iraqi side — their first in the competition in 2024/25.

Ronaldo has started the season in strong form for his club side, scoring four goals in five games in all competitions. He also netted in each of Portugal's UEFA Nations League fixtures in the September international break as he became the first male player to hit 900 career goals for club and country.

However, the 39-year-old will play no part in Monday's match after being told he requires rest.

MORE: All the latest soccer action | Cristiano Ronaldo news 

Cristiano Ronaldo fitness update

Al Nassr confirmed on September 15 that Ronaldo had contracted a virus and had been recommended by the team doctor to stay at home to recover rather than travel with his teammates for the AFC Champions League match with Al Shorta.

The club will hope to have the forward available again for their next Saudi Pro League match against Al Ettifaq on September 20.

Joe Wright

Joe Wright Photo

Joe is a Senior Editor at Sporting News. He was previously a sub editor and writer for Goal.com before spending six years as part of the Stats Perform editorial news service, covering major global sports including football, tennis, boxing, NBA, rugby union and athletics. Joe has reported live on some of the biggest games in football, including two UEFA Champions League finals, Euro 2016, the Confederations Cup 2017 and the 2018 World Cup final at the end of a month in Russia.