Back with the team, but not on the pitch! Ronaldo spotted at Al-Nassr's King's Cup clash
Cristiano Ronaldo is back around Al-Nassr, but his return to competitive action will have to wait a little longer.
Details: Footage published by Polymarket Sports shows the 41-year-old Portuguese star attending Al-Nassr's King's Cup match against Al-Diriyah from the stands. Ronaldo was not included in the squad for the Round of 32 tie. It is already the second official game of the new season he has missed: on August 15, he also watched from the stands as Al-Nassr opened their Saudi Pro League campaign with a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh.
According to Goal, citing Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiah, Al-Nassr's fitness staff are working to bring Ronaldo back to optimal condition. A separate 90-minute fitness session was scheduled for the Portuguese forward on Tuesday as he continues building up his readiness after a shortened preparation period.
Al-Nassr's next league fixture comes away to Al-Riyadh on August 21, and that match has been mentioned as a possible opportunity for Ronaldo to return. However, his participation has not yet been officially confirmed. Head coach Ange Postecoglou had already indicated after the Al-Fateh game that the striker had only recently resumed training and that his availability would depend on his condition.
It is worth noting that Ronaldo had scored 976 goals for club and country during his professional career. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is now 41 years old and remains an Al-Nassr player.
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Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert