RIYADH — Cristiano Ronaldo has traveled to Madrid for treatment after suffering a muscle injury during Al Nassr’s recent match against Al Fayha, head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed.Speaking ahead of Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League clash with NEOM SC in Matchweek 25, Jesus said medical examinations revealed the injury was more serious than initially expected and would require a period of rest and rehabilitation.The Portuguese captain traveled to Spain to receive treatment from his personal doctor in Madrid, a step the coach said is common for players seeking specialized medical care.“We hope he returns soon to help the team,” Jesus said.According to the medical assessment, Ronaldo will also miss the upcoming league match against Al Khaleej.Jesus noted that the timing of the treatment is appropriate given the approaching international break, which provides additional recovery time.Looking ahead to the NEOM encounter, the Al Nassr coach described the newly promoted side as a difficult opponent that has invested heavily this season, bringing in an internationally recognized French coach and experienced players.Jesus added that Al Nassr benefited from an extended preparation period this week after Asian competition fixtures were postponed.Despite the injury setback, the Portuguese manager insisted the Saudi Pro League title race remains open among four teams, even though Al Nassr currently sit at the top of the standings.“I have won the league before, but I want to win it with Al Nassr,” he said, urging his players to remain fully focused for the remainder of the campaign.When asked who could replace Ronaldo in attack, Jesus said the decision would be made after the final training session.“The training will determine who replaces him. I will choose the best eleven to win the match.”He also praised forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan for his recent performances, noting that the player contributes goals, assists and defensive work, making him one of several options to cover Ronaldo’s absence.On midfielder Marcelo Brozović, the coach revealed he advised the Croatian to limit discussions with referees, emphasizing the need for focus in his midfield role.Jesus also defended the decision to keep goalkeeper Bento Matheus Krepski in the starting lineup, saying it proved the correct call after injuries to Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Raghid Al-Najjar.He added that the team is awaiting Al-Aqidi’s return after completing his rehabilitation program, describing the goalkeeper as an important figure for the squad in the decisive stages of the season.RIYADH — Cristiano Ronaldo has traveled to Madrid for treatment after suffering a muscle injury during Al Nassr’s recent match against Al Fayha, head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed.Speaking ahead of Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League clash with NEOM SC in Matchweek 25, Jesus said medical examinations revealed the injury was more serious than initially expected and would require a period of rest and rehabilitation.The Portuguese captain traveled to Spain to receive treatment from his personal doctor in Madrid, a step the coach said is common for players seeking specialized medical care.“We hope he returns soon to help the team,” Jesus said.According to the medical assessment, Ronaldo will also miss the upcoming league match against Al Khaleej.Jesus noted that the timing of the treatment is appropriate given the approaching international break, which provides additional recovery time.Looking ahead to the NEOM encounter, the Al Nassr coach described the newly promoted side as a difficult opponent that has invested heavily this season, bringing in an internationally recognized French coach and experienced players.Jesus added that Al Nassr benefited from an extended preparation period this week after Asian competition fixtures were postponed.Despite the injury setback, the Portuguese manager insisted the Saudi Pro League title race remains open among four teams, even though Al Nassr currently sit at the top of the standings.“I have won the league before, but I want to win it with Al Nassr,” he said, urging his players to remain fully focused for the remainder of the campaign.When asked who could replace Ronaldo in attack, Jesus said the decision would be made after the final training session.“The training will determine who replaces him. I will choose the best eleven to win the match.”He also praised forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan for his recent performances, noting that the player contributes goals, assists and defensive work, making him one of several options to cover Ronaldo’s absence.On midfielder Marcelo Brozović, the coach revealed he advised the Croatian to limit discussions with referees, emphasizing the need for focus in his midfield role.Jesus also defended the decision to keep goalkeeper Bento Matheus Krepski in the starting lineup, saying it proved the correct call after injuries to Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Raghid Al-Najjar.He added that the team is awaiting Al-Aqidi’s return after completing his rehabilitation program, describing the goalkeeper as an important figure for the squad in the decisive stages of the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo travels to Madrid for treatment after muscle injury — Jesus
