Cristiano Ronaldo expected to shake off neck injury to be fit for Riyadh derby

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be fit in time for this week’s crucial Saudi Pro League clash against Al Hilal, despite appearing to injure his neck in the Asian Champions League on Monday.

The Al Nassr captain, 38, was withdrawn from the Group E encounter with Persepolis on 77 minutes having earlier collided with opposition goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

Coming to collect a high ball, Beiranvand’s momentum meant he landed on Ronaldo, who seemed to tweak his neck. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner looked to be in some discomfort before he was eventually subbed off.

Speaking after the 0-0 draw, which secured Nassr’s progress to the knockout stages as group winners, manager Luis Castro said: “The medical staff is studying the injury. It is not an easy thing. God willing, the medical staff will do its job of healing and [Ronaldo will] be ready for the next match."

Commenting on social media afterwards, Beiranvand posted a picture of the incident with the caption: “I hope no problem has happened to you.”

Happy that we qualified 1st in our group and to have achieved 20 games unbeaten.
Great Teamwork