Ronaldo to Miss AFC Champions League Elite Opener

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Al Nassr's AFC Champions League Elite debut match against Al Shorta due to a viral infection, as confirmed by the club on Sunday. Ronaldo, who recently scored his 132nd international goal for Portugal, was advised by the team's doctor to rest at home. This marks a significant setback for Al Nassr as they aim to make a strong start in the newly formatted competition. The Elite version, replacing the traditional AFC Champions League, features a Swiss system with each team playing eight matches. Despite his absence, Al Nassr, alongside other Saudi clubs like Al Hilal and Al Ahli, remains a formidable contender after significant investments in top players. Ronaldo's debut in the Elite tournament could now be against Al Rayyan on September 20 in Riyadh.