As the Saudi Pro League continues to enjoy its mid-season break, the division’s clubs are currently engaging in some friendly action to get back up to speed.
With the season set to recommence in mid-February, a number of the league’s high-profile sides are beginning their preparations. That includes Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, who have set up a number of matches to improve the fitness and sharpness of their players.
Ronaldo and his teammates were set to play in several fixtures in China after announcing a tour of the country, however, these matches have since been cancelled.
So, why has Al Nassr’s tour of China been cancelled?
Having already arrived in China last Sunday to compete in two friendly matches against Shanghai Shenhua and Zheijang, Al Nassr announced that said fixtures wouldn’t be going ahead on Tuesday.
The Saudi Arabian side admitted that an injury to Ronaldo that would see him miss both matches forced them to cancel the games, leaving Chinese fans of the superstar bitterly disappointed.
Al Nassr’s statement read: “We are sad to announce that, unfortunately, and for reasons beyond Al Nassr‘s control, the event comprised of two matches scheduled on the 24th and 28th of January has been postponed to a date to be defined.
“We came here in Shenzen with a lot of respect for Chinese football fans and specifically for the fans of Ronaldo.
“Taking this into consideration, in addition to the tight relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China, we, Al Nassr, are willing to complete our training camp as planned in Shenzhen, a city that has warmly welcomed us and shown so much love for us and our captain.
“Furthermore, we have agreed with the organiser to schedule a new match as soon as possible. We love our Chinese fans, and we are looking forward to playing for them as soon as possible.”
Adding to the statement, Ronaldo himself said: “I have played for 22 years and I am a player that doesn’t have too many injuries. So I’m really sad because Al Nassr and myself have come to China to enjoy the tour.
“We have not cancelled the game, we want to push for the game and be back here. Unfortunately, I have some problems, but this is part of football and my life.”
Having seen both matches against Chinese opposition cancelled due to Ronaldo’s fitness, there are now concerns that the 38-year-old could miss the Riyadh Season Cup – a friendly tournament taking place in early February in Saudi Arabia.
That means that Ronaldo is now an injury doubt for Al Nassr’s clash with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on February 1, as well as their encounter with fellow Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal a week later. If the Portuguese superstar was to be absent for a reunion with old rival Messi, it would serve as another huge disappointment to the player’s fans.
Ronaldo and Al Nassr are back in competitive action on 14 February when they face Al Fayha in the AFC Champions League.
