DDiscipline, stamina and scoring ability are some of the traits Cristiano Ronaldo has displayed throughout his career spanning over 20 years.
Unlike many stars whose careers have been affected by repeated physical problems, the Portuguese striker has managed to bounce back. However, he was diagnosed with a hamstring injury after Al Nasr’s last match against Al Faiha (3-1), which could mean he will miss an important match, something he has rarely played before.
Games CR7 couldn’t play
According to the official medical report shared by the team, “El Bicho” will be sidelined indefinitely and could miss important matches between Al Nasr and the Portuguese national team.
With 10 games remaining in the Saudi Pro League, the Portuguese star may not be available for the matches against NEOM SC and Al Khaleej, but everything will depend on his recovery. Meanwhile, Cristiano could also miss games against Mexico at Estadio Banorte on March 28 and the USMNT at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, ahead of March’s FIFA doubleheader, the only games against his country before his sixth and final World Cup.
This situation is very unfamiliar to the 41-year-old, who rarely misses games due to injury. One of the most memorable episodes occurred during the Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France. The striker had to leave the game in tears in the 25th minute due to a knee injury sustained in a collision with Dimitri Payet. Portugal ended up winning the title without him on the field.
Due to this injury, he also missed the 2016 European Super Cup match between Real Madrid and Sevilla, which Madrid won in extra time.
Another subtle moment in the Portuguese player’s career took place in the 2015/16 Champions League semi-final against Manchester City. A few days ago he suffered a muscle injury (a microtear in his thigh) which forced him to miss the first leg, which his team drew 0-0, but he was able to return for the second leg at the Santiago Bernabé.
Also worth noting is the 2013-14 Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, in which the striker had to miss the game due to a left hamstring injury and a problem with his patella tendon. Even without him, Real Madrid won 2-1.
The longest period the Portugal international spent off the pitch was 71 days, between July 7 and September 15, 2008, while at Manchester United.
Ronaldo has suffered other injuries, albeit minor ones, throughout his career. In fact, his absenteeism rate is nearly 6%. His medical record is noticeably short compared to other players of his generation, and his performances continue to be remarkable considering he is only 41 years old.
Currently, it remains to be seen how his hamstring injury will progress and which games the Portuguese will miss.
