Cristiano Ronaldo Injury: Progress, Potential Return Date for Al Nassr Superstar

The Portuguese talisman is experiencing fitness woes for the first time this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo has succumb to a rare injury. | Clicks Images/Getty Images

Al Nassr are currently in pole position to win the Saudi Pro League for the first time since 2018–19, but they will be forced to navigate their upcoming fixtures without the player most responsible for their strong campaign: Cristiano Ronaldo.

The mythical Portuguese phenom continues to deliver goal after goal even at age 41. In a league that’s attracted world-class level attackers over the past few years, Ronaldo’s 21 goals this season are just short of Ivan Toney in the Golden Boot race.

But panic alarms were raised when Ronaldo limped off the pitch late in Al Nassr’s clash against Al Fayha at the end of February. With the Saudi Pro League term reaching its climax and Al Nassr fighting to finish atop the standings, they can ill-afford to be without their talisman up front for too much longer.

Ronaldo has evaded Injuries for much of his career, even as a veteran. Since joining Al Nassr, he had only missed three games through injury prior to his current setback. However, there are significant fears over his potential return.

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What Injury Does Cristiano Ronaldo Have?

Cristiano Ronaldo is chasing 1,000 career goals. | Fayez Nureldine/AFP/Getty Images

The initial panic alarms were exacerbated when doctors immediately placed a pack of ice on Ronaldo’s right hamstring as he arrived at the bench following his substitution. The forward looked to be in considerable discomfort and Al Nassr released a statement days later with an update on his status.

“[Cristiano Ronaldo] has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after the last game against Al Fayha,” the club announced. “He started a rehabilitation program and will be under evaluation day by day.”

Even considering Ronaldo went on ‘strike’ in early February and missed two games, the Portuguese star has played 11 matches since the start of 2026, starting all of them. The load appears to have taken a toll on the veteran’s body.

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When Will Cristiano Ronaldo Return From Injury?

Cristiano Ronaldo is eyeing his first major trophy since joining Al Nassr. | Mohammed Saad/Anadolu/Getty Images

Fortunately for Al Nassr, Ronaldo has missed just two further matches since his injury, both of which ended in victory for the Saudi Pro League leaders. The assumption was that the striker would be available for the club immediately after the international break, but that timeline has been thrown into doubt.

Ronaldo was omitted entirely from Portugal’s squad for their friendlies with Mexico and the United States, raising concerns over the five time Ballon d’Or winner’s availability before the campaign’s conclusion—and even perhaps for this summer’s World Cup.

However, Portugal manager Roberto Martínez has allayed those fears, claiming Ronaldo is in no danger of missing the tournament.

“No, he’s not at risk [of missing the World Cup],” revealed Martínez. “It's a minor muscle injury, and we think he can be back in a week or two. Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows that he’s in great shape.”

Martínez’s update suggests Ronaldo could be available for Al Nassr after the internationals, with the club next in action against bottom of the table Al Najma on April 3. If he misses that encounter, he will hope to return eight days later when Al Nassr take on another relegation-threatened side in Al Akhdoud.

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