Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr dealt blow as star man set to miss SPL clash against Al-Riyadh: Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr will be without key player Aymeric Laporte for their Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Riyadh on Friday, November 8. The Knights of Najd are looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season to 10 league games when they travel to the capital.
Al-Nassr have been in impressive form this season and are yet to taste defeat in the league, with 19 points from their opening nine games. They held runaway leaders Al-Hilal to a 1-1 draw in their last league game, causing them to momentarily lose top spot in the division.
As Cristiano Ronaldo has been important in attack for Stefano Pioli's side, so has Spain international Aymeric Laporte been pivotal for the side at the back. A report from a club source has revealed that the former Manchester City man will not feature in the game due to health challenges.
Aymeric Laporte has been a key player for Al-Nassr since his switch from Manchester City in the summer of 2023. The 30-year-old has popped up to score two goals for the side in the league this season, appearing in all nine of their matches so far.
Laporte has been included in Luis de la Fuente's Spain squad for this month's internationals, indicating that his problem may not be a serious one. He will, however, be a huge miss for the side against Al-Riyadh, who have five points less than Al-Alami this season.
As usual, all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo to lead his side to victory in the tie in Riyadh. The 39-year-old has contributed six goals and two assists in eight league appearances this season.
Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo named in Portugal squad for November internationals
Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in the Portugal squad to face Poland and Croatia in the UEFA Nations League. The Selecao are due to round off their group stage campaign in the competition against Poland on November 15 and Croatia three days later.
Portugal have won three of their four games in the UEFA Nations League this year, with their captain scoring three goals. Ronaldo only failed to find the net for the side in their goalless draw against Scotland back in October.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his Al-Nassr teammate Otavio have been invited by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez for the games this month. The 2019 Nations League winners will be keen to repeat the feat and reclaim the title they won five years ago.