Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr dealt blow as key player picks up injury - Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr have received disappointing news of an injury to star forward Anderson Talisca, according to sources from within the club (via Al-Midan Sports). The Brazilian forward was involved from the start as the Knights of Najd took on second-tier Al-Hazm in the King's Cup of Champions on Monday.
Ronaldo was not the first high-profile player to arrive at Al-Nassr, with the likes of Talisca and David Ospina making the move before him. Talisca, in particular, proved to be a useful partner for the Portuguese great in his first year at the Saudi Pro League outfit.
Anderson Talisca featured from start to finish for Stefano Pioli's side as they claimed a narrow 2-1 win in the Round of 32 fixture against Al-Hazm. The former Besiktas man complained of thigh discomfort after the game, and will now undergo tests to determine the extent of his injury.
Al-Nassr will be sweating over Talisca's injury, having seen how their campaign unfolded in the 2023-24 season in his absence. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a league-record 35 goals, Al-Aalami were only good enough for second place, partly because he had no quality support.
Talisca picked up a thigh injury in March which kept him out of action until the start of the 2024-25 season. He had found the net 25 times in 25 appearances for his side before his season was cut short by injury.
Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Anderson Talisca were on target in Al-Nassr's most recent league game, a 3-0 win over Al-Ettifaq. An injury to the Brazilian forward will provide an opportunity for one of Angelo Gabriel or Wesley Gassova, both teenagers, to claim a regular starting berth.
Cristiano Ronaldo absent as Al-Nassr overcomes Al-Hazm
Cristiano Ronaldo watched from the comfort of his home as his Al-Nassr teammates claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win over Al-Hazm in the King's Cup of Champions. Last season's runners-up the Knights of Najd were keen to start their campaign in positive fashion.
Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane opened the scoring for the Riyadh-based side away from home in first-half added time. Al-Hazm responded in the 62nd minute, with Basil Alsayyali finding the back of the net to draw his side level in front of their fans.
The away side left it very late to find a winner, with Nawaf Boushal scoring in the second minute of added time to seal his side's victory. Ronaldo enjoyed a rare off day and will return for the side when they face Al-Wehda in the league on Friday.