Al-Nassr Captain, Ronaldo diagnosed with viral infection, misses key game

Al Nassr faced difficulties in their Asian Champions League opener on Monday, drawing 1-1 against Al Shorta in Iraq.

The Saudi side struggled without their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed the match due to a viral infection.

The club had announced Ronaldo’s absence a day prior, citing his health condition, which left the team to battle without their talismanic leader in Baghdad.

Despite efforts from the rest of the squad, Al Nassr couldn’t secure the win and had to settle for a point in the revamped tournament.

The statement read: “Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t feeling well today and was diagnosed with a viral infection.

“The team’s doctor confirmed he needs to rest and stay at his place.

“As a result, he will not be travelling with the team to Iraq today. We wish a speedy recovery to our captain.”

Al Nassr, who were knocked out of last season’s Asian Champions League in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Al Ain, were given a dream start in the Iraqi capital, when full-back Sultan Al Ghannam met Otavio’s astute, first-time pass on 14 minutes to finish low past Al Shorta goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.

Ronaldo is yet to win a major trophy with Al-Nassr since joining the Saudi club.