Cristiano Ronaldo suffered an injury scare just weeks before the World Cup after the Portugal captain picked up a hamstring problem during Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League match against Al-Fayha.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was forced off during Al-Nassr’s 3-1 win on Saturday, sparking concerns about his fitness ahead of the June 11-July 19 global tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Al-Nassr confirmed the setback in a statement on Tuesday, revealing that Ronaldo has started a rehabilitation program and will be closely monitored.
“He has started a rehabilitation program and will be assessed day by day,” the club said.
While the Saudi Pro League leaders did not specify whether the injury was a strain or a tear, the club acknowledged that the veteran striker is struggling with a hamstring problem. Ronaldo was seen training in the gym in photos Al-Nassr shared on social media, working with weights as part of his recovery process.
Early reports suggest the 41-year-old could be sidelined for two to four weeks, although the timetable could stretch closer to a month depending on how he responds to treatment.
Ronaldo remains a key figure for club and country despite entering the final stages of his career. The Portugal star, who has 226 international caps to his name, is expected to lead his nation on his sixth World Cup appearance.
The injury comes as Ronaldo enjoys another productive season with Al-Nassr, who currently sit top of the Saudi Pro League table.
However, his fitness will now be closely monitored in the coming weeks as Portugal prepare for world football’s biggest tournament.
IS RONALDO’S FIFA WORLD CUP IN THREAT?
Despite the scare, there is currently no immediate concern over Ronaldo’s participation in the World Cup.
An expected recovery time of two to four weeks means he should still have time to regain full fitness before the tournament starts in mid-June. Portugal’s medical staff are also expected to keep a close eye on his progress in rehabilitation once he rejoins international preparations.
Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus initially played down the severity of the injury after the match, suggesting that Ronaldo was experiencing muscle fatigue rather than a serious setback.
Still, any injury to a player of Ronaldo’s stature will naturally raise concerns for Portuguese fans, especially with the tournament fast approaching.
For Ronaldo, the upcoming World Cup has additional significance. If he takes the field, it will be his sixth appearance at football’s biggest event – another extension of a remarkable international career that has seen him become Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer and one of the most decorated players in football history.
For now, Portugal will be hoping their captain’s latest setback proves to be nothing more than a temporary hiatus rather than a major roadblock to the next World Cup.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
04 Mar 2026 08:38 IST
