Cristiano Ronaldo has suffered a hamstring tendon injury, his Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr confirmed on Tuesday, raising concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, early indications suggest that the Portugal captain’s participation in the tournament, scheduled to begin on June 11 in the United States, Mexico and Canada, is not under immediate threat.
According to media reports, the 41-year-old forward is expected to be sidelined for between two and four weeks. The projected recovery timeline would allow Ronaldo sufficient time to regain match fitness before the start of the World Cup. The veteran attacker, who remains central to Portugal’s plans, is aiming to feature in what would be a record sixth World Cup appearance.
In a statement, Al-Nassr said Ronaldo has begun a rehabilitation programme and that his condition will be monitored daily. The club did not provide a precise return date but indicated that medical staff are closely assessing his progress. The injury occurred during a Saudi Pro League match against Al-Fayha last month.
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Ronaldo’s fitness is closely watched given his leadership role within the Portuguese national team. Despite his age, he continues to play a prominent part for both club and country, maintaining high performance levels in domestic and international competitions. Portugal’s preparations for the World Cup will likely factor in careful management of his workload upon return.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star remains one of football’s most enduring figures. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has consistently delivered at the highest level and broken multiple records, including becoming the first player to score in five different World Cups.
While the injury presents a temporary setback, Portugal’s camp is expected to remain optimistic given the recovery window available. With several months remaining before the global tournament kicks off, medical staff and coaching personnel will prioritise Ronaldo’s full rehabilitation to ensure he is ready for the demands of international competition.
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