Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel to India with the rest of the squad because he was rested. As a result, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has remained in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and will miss their upcoming clash against FC Goa on Wednesday, October 22.
The Knights of Najd have flourished in the AFC Champions League Two this season. They are currently at the top of Group D with six points from two games, whereas Goa are fourth, having lost both their games. However, Cristiano Ronaldo was notably rested in both of Al-Nassr’s fixtures in the competition during their wins against Istiqlol and Al-Zawraa.
While Ronaldo continues to defy all odds at the age of 40, Jesus has opted to prioritize other competitions, such as the Saudi Pro League, to avoid any risk of injury. Jesus explained, “We have decided to rest him when we play outside Saudi Arabia. Everyone wants to see and meet him, but we chose to keep him in Riyadh to prepare for the next game.”
Al-Nassr traveled to Goa, India, on Monday, October 20. Fans will be hoping for the likes of Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, and Inigo Martinez to feature in the starting XI to boost their chances of extending their flawless run in the competition.
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**”They are a European team playing in the Saudi league”**
Former Al-Ahly player hails Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr and makes bold SPL title prediction
Former Al-Ahly star Omani Imad Al-Hosni has waxed lyrical about Al-Nassr’s attacking threat this season, describing them as a European side. He also backed Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. to be the prime candidates to win the Saudi Pro League title this season.
Jorge Jesus’ side recently secured an impressive 5-1 win over Al-Fateh on October 18, with Joao Felix netting a hat-trick, while Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman also featured on the scoresheet. They have been flawless this season and are currently first with 15 points from five games.
“It’s an entertaining team and possesses tremendous offensive power. There’s a harmony between Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman, and Sadio Mane, and there’s a variety in the aesthetics of the goals and the threat posed in the attacking third. You feel the team is heavy,” Al-Hosni said.
He added, “From the indications, it seems that Al-Nassr is on its way to winning the Saudi League championship, and with this momentum, it is the prime candidate to win the title.”
Following their clash against FC Goa, the Knights of Najd will face Al-Hazm in the SPL on Saturday, October 25.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-al-nassr-head-coach-jorge-jesus-reveals-cristiano-ronaldo-travel-india-fc-goa-clash
