Stefano Pioli provides injury update on 2 Al-Nassr stars following Cristiano Ronaldo-led side's 2-0 win over Damac
Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli has provided an update on the fitness of two players after Cristiano Ronaldo powered them to a 2-0 win over Damac on Friday, November 29. The Knights of Najd returned to winning ways in the Saudi Pro League at the expense of Damac, who are 11th in the league.
Pioli suffered his first league defeat as Al-Nassr manager at the hands of newly promoted side Al-Qadsiah last Friday before his side secured a win in midweek. He was without one of his most important players, Aymeric Laporte, for the visit of Damac.
Following the game, the Italian manager shed light on the reason behind the absence of the former Manchester City defender. He also spoke about Mohamed Simakan, who picked up an injury during the game against Damac.
“Laporte was absent for 7 days for a family reason and trained with us in the last two training sessions, so he is not fully ready. As for Simakan, his injury is a bruise and it is difficult for him to be present in the next match, but he can participate in the match that follows,” Pioli said.
Summer signing Simakan had to come off after 69 minutes of the game, with Ali Lajami taking his place at the back for Al-Nassr. The 24-year-old Frenchman, who has made nine league appearances, will now miss his side's next game, a home game against Al-Sadd in the AFC Champions League.
Al-Nassr were able to welcome Brazilian forward Anderson Talisca back to the squad following a spell out injured. He came on in the 62nd minute as a replacement for compatriot Angelo Gabriel.
Cristiano Ronaldo inspires Al-Nassr to win over Damac
Cristiano Ronaldo was at the double for Al-Nassr as they claimed a comfortable 2-0 win over Damac to return to winning ways in the league. The Knights of Najd slumped to a defeat against Al-Qadsiah in their most recent league game and needed a win to keep their title hopes alive.
Ronaldo fired his side into the lead in the 17th minute after a penalty was awarded for a handball from Abdelkader Bedrane. The 39-year-old scored his second of the match in the 79th minute with a finish from inside the box to seal the win.
Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 915 goals in his career, nine of which have come in the league this season. His side are placed third, five points behind leaders Al-Ittihad, who have played a game less.