Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not playing in Persepolis vs Al Nassr AFC Champions League match?
Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not playing in Persepolis vs Al Nassr AFC Champions League match?
Al Nassr will face Iran club Persepolis in its final group-stage match of the AFC Champions League Elite at the Azadi Sports Complex in Tehran on Monday.
Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo is not part of the Al Nassr squad that is travelling to Iran, the club confirmed on Sunday. New signing Jhon Duran is also another notable absentee.
Ronaldo has 24 goals and four assists in 27 appearances in all competitions this season. He has scored six goals in five appearances in the continental competition, including a brace in the previous match against Al Wasl.
Ronaldo’s absence from the matchday squad could be a strategic move by Stefano Pioli, with the team already booking a spot in the knockouts of the AFC Champions League Elite.
At 40, fitness could be an issue for the Portugal legend, and he was likely rested, along with Duran, to keep them fit for the latter half of the season.
Ahead of the final game, Al Nassr is third in Group B, with 16 points from seven games. It is three points behind Al Hilal and Al Ahli in first and second, respectively.
Persepolis on the other hand is just outside the knockout spots in ninth with six points.
Published on Feb 17, 2025
