Where's Cristiano Ronaldo? Absent in Al Nassr's AFC Clash

Al Nassr fans are sure to notice their team's major star missing in the AFC Champions League road match against Istiklol in early December.

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At 38, the star player has been carefully managing his playing time this season, maintaining his significant presence for the Saudi club while being selective about his appearances.

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Today's match offered an excellent opportunity for Ronaldo to recover from a recent injury and prepare for upcoming crucial games ahead.

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Cristiano Ronaldo sustained a neck injury during the 0-0 draw with Persepolis in the AFC Champions League group stage on November 27.

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Despite the injury, Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes in the 3-0 defeat to Al Hilal on December 1, sporting black tape on his neck during the match, indicating that the injury still affects him to some extent.

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Considering his neck injury, age, extensive travel, and the match's low significance, it seemed unnecessary for Ronaldo to travel for the Istiklol game.

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He is expected to be ready for the upcoming home league fixture against Al Riyadh, where Al Nassr aims to narrow the seven-point gap behind leaders Al Hilal.

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Despite Ronaldo's 15 goals in 14 matches leading the Saudi Pro League, his scoreless match in the recent loss to Al Hilal let Aleksandar Mitrovic close the gap in goals.

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