Sunday, December 22, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo to Miss Al Nassr’s Asian Champions League Debut Due to Viral Infection

Date:

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to miss Al Nassr’s Asian Champions League opener against Al Shorta in Iraq after being diagnosed with a viral infection. The Portuguese star, aiming to add Asia’s top club title to his accolades, fell ill on Sunday, according to a club statement shared on social media platform X. The statement confirmed that Ronaldo’s condition requires rest at home, preventing him from traveling with the team.

Ronaldo’s first attempt at the Asian Champions League with Al Nassr ended in a quarter-final shootout loss to Al Ain earlier this year. Al Nassr, along with other Saudi teams like Al Ahli and Al Hilal, is expected to be a formidable contender in the rebranded Asian Champions League Elite, following significant investments in players like Ronaldo and Neymar.

The new format, starting Monday, will feature 24 teams split into East and West zones, each playing eight group stage matches. The top teams will proceed to the last 16 in March, with the final stages hosted in Saudi Arabia from April 25 to May 4.

Al Hilal, the reigning Saudi champions, are in pursuit of their fifth Asian title. However, they await Neymar’s return from a knee injury. The team has recently strengthened their lineup by signing Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.

Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Al Nassr can still rely on stars like Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, and Marcelo Brozovic. Defending champions Al Ain, coached by Hernan Crespo, will be looking to replicate their success from last season.

The competition also includes clubs from Qatar, Iran, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, Thailand, and Malaysia, with Japanese teams showing strong performances in recent years.

Share post:

Subscribe

spot_imgspot_img

Popular

More like this
Related

Keanu Reeves Sets Record with $156 Million Earnings for Matrix Sequels

Not Tom Cruise, Shah Rukh Khan, or Johnny Depp...

Pete Davidson Aims to Be Recognized for His Work, Not His High-Profile Relationships

Pete Davidson is determined to be known for his...

Late Goals Propel Mohun Bagan to Dramatic Comeback Victory and ISL Lead

Mohun Bagan Super Giant narrowly defeated Kerala Blasters 3-2,...