Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr handed injury boost as star player likely to return for AFC Champions League clash - Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate Marcelo Brozovic is likely to be fit for the club's AFC Champions League game against Al Rayyan, according to reports. Last month, the Croatian midfielder retired from international duty to focus solely on his club career.
Brozovic joined Al-Nassr from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023 and has since become a key figure in the starting XI. Last season, the 31-year-old appeared 43 times across competitions, scoring five goals and setting up 12 more.
The Croatian was not in the squad for the recent games against Al-Ettifaq and Al-Hazem. He is likely to miss the upcoming game against Al Wahda as well but looks set to return in time to face Al Rayyan on September 30.
Brozovic's return will be a big boost to Al-Nassr's plans. The club appointed Stefano Pioli as Luis Castro's replacement last week and the Italian manager has already won his first two games in charge.
Of course, Al-Nassr also have the indomitable Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks. The Portuguese superstar has been in top form this season as well, registering five goals and two assists from six appearances across competitions.
The 39-year-old has revolutionized the Saudi Pro League since arriving at the beginning of 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo won the Arab Club Champions Cup last year, but will now have his eyes on the top prize.
Cristiano Ronaldo will look to win the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr this season
Cristiano Ronaldo missed out on the Saudi Pro League once again last season, with Al-Nassr finishing second, 14 points behind champions Al Hilal. The Portuguese superstar has yet to win the league since arriving in the Middle East and will be eager to make amends this year.
Stefano Pioli's team are fifth in the league table after four games this season, and it would be unwise to rule them out of the title race right now. The Saudi club further strengthened their squad this summer by roping in Mohamed Simakan from RB Leipzig and Angelo from Chelsea.
Moreover, the presence of Ronaldo also gives them an added edge. While he might be in the twilight of his career, the Portuguese's hunger for success remains intact. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has experience of winning the league in England, Spain, and Italy.
He recently crossed the 900-goal barrier in his career and remains eager to create more history. With Pioli pulling the strings from the dugout, Ronaldo could finally get his hands on the Saudi Pro League trophy this season.