Cristiano Ronaldo to miss Esteghlal trip with minor injury

Al Nassr begin their bid for the AFC Champions League title. The Saudi team faces Iranian side Esteghal in the round of 16 of the prestigious competition.
However, Stefano Pioli's team will not be able to count on their star Cristiano Ronaldo for the trip to Iran, something that was confirmed when the Saudi Pro League team published the traveling squad on social media.
Many media reported that the Portuguese striker could not travel with his team as the Iranian government could punish him with 99 lashes for adultery after he kissed and hugged a disabled artist in 2023.
However, these rumors were properly denied by the Iranian embassy. The real reason behind Cristiano Ronaldo's absence is that the Portuguese has “physical problems”, as Pioli confirmed at the pre-match press conference.
"He had a physical problem. I wouldn't say it was 100% a big problem, but we preferred him not to be in the game," said the Italian coach.