Cristiano Ronaldo will be absent from Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Esteghlal, scheduled to take place in Tehran, Iran. The decision to leave Ronaldo out of the squad was made by Al Nassr, citing security concerns related to the player’s safety.
This follows a tumultuous trip to Tehran last season where the team bus was blocked by protestors, resulting in a seven-year travel ban for Saudi Arabian citizens entering Iran. The club’s decision underscores the significant security risks associated with playing the match in Tehran and the protective measures taken to safeguard Ronaldo.
Ahead of the match, Al Nassr formally requested that the game be played at a neutral venue rather than in Tehran. They cited security concerns related to the player’s safety as the main reason for their request, referring to the significant disruption caused by the protests that occurred during the team’s previous visit to Tehran.
However, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rejected Al Nassr’s request, asserting that the match would be held under the highest security measures, ensuring the safety of all involved.
The decision to exclude Ronaldo from the squad
Despite the AFC’s assurances, Al Nassr ultimately decided to leave Cristiano Ronaldo out of the squad for the trip to Iran. This preemptive measure prioritizes the safety and security of the superstar player, given the past events and ongoing geopolitical tensions. The decision reflects a pragmatic approach, prioritizing the well-being of their star player over the potential benefits of having him on the pitch.
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Ronaldo’s absence from the match adds to Al Nassr’s existing injury problems. Several key players, including Otavio, Laporte, Abdulrahman Gharib, Ali Lajami, Abdullah Al Khaibari, and Sultan Al Ghannam, are already sidelined due to injury.
This further compounds the challenges facing the team, highlighting the difficulties of managing a competitive squad in the face of multiple player unavailability. The team is already weakened due to these absences.
This Asian Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Esteghlal is a crucial match for Al Nassr. The result will significantly impact their chances of progressing to the next round.
