Ronaldo unexpectedly delivers bad news to Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the center of attention at Al-Nassr after missing the latest training session, raising doubts about his availability as he continues his relentless pursuit of the historic 1000-goal milestone.

Cristiano Ronaldo has always been the focal point of every discussion surrounding Al-Nassr, whether it’s about trophies, records, or the physical limits of a star approaching 40. As the Saudi Pro League schedule enters a congested phase, fresh concerns have emerged after the Portuguese superstar missed another team training session, sparking questions about his fitness ahead of the upcoming round.

This moment is particularly sensitive. Al-Nassr needs to maintain momentum at the top of the table, while Ronaldo is still diligently chasing career-defining milestones. However, with carefully managed training loads and recovery playing an increasingly critical role, CR7’s immediate playing prospects have started to be questioned.

According to sources from Saudi Arabia cited by World Soccer Talk, Cristiano Ronaldo did not participate in Al-Nassr’s official team training on January 25, opting instead for individual recovery exercises off the pitch. Arriyadhiyah reported that the cause was physical overload, prompting the coaching staff to choose a cautious approach rather than taking risks.

This is not the first time Ronaldo has been in such a situation. Earlier this week, he also missed a full training session before the Damac match, spending time in the club’s medical facility. Despite this, the 39-year-old star played the entire 90 minutes and scored the decisive goal, demonstrating his immense influence and the delicate balance Al-Nassr must manage.

Will Ronaldo return in time for the match against Al-Taawoun?

Al-Nassr is preparing to host Al-Taawoun at 0:30 on January 27 (Vietnam time) at Al-Awwal Park in the 18th round of the Saudi Pro League, a game that could significantly impact the race at the top. As tactical training sessions accelerate, all eyes are on Ronaldo’s condition.

In the middle of the preparation phase, the situation is becoming clearer. Although he has not fully trained with the team, Ronaldo has been regularly present at the training center, working closely with medical staff and coaches. This approach mirrors the successful strategy used before the Damac match, indicating a high chance that CR7 will play, though certainty remains elusive.

The relentless chase for the 1000-goal milestone

Beyond the upcoming match, Ronaldo’s quest to reach this historic milestone continues to captivate attention. As of January 22, the Portuguese forward has officially scored 960 career goals — an extraordinary figure that keeps the “four-digit” target well within reach.

The calculation is simple but harsh: Ronaldo needs 40 more goals to hit 1000. His current scoring rate, averaging 0.74 goals per game, remains among the best, but forecasts suggest that achieving this target before the 2026 World Cup will require an exceptional scoring streak.

Considering his recent form, Ronaldo has scored 17 goals in his last 20 matches — an impressive record, although it slightly delays the historic milestone. Based on past trends, where CR7 typically scores around 40 goals per calendar year, the most likely time for him to reach 1000 goals is late 2026 or early 2027.