Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr dealt blow as key player set to be sidelined after picking up injury - Reports

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate Sultan Al-Ghannam is set to be out for a while after picking up an injury. According to Al-Nassr Zone on X, the 30-year-old right-back will likely be out for between 10 days and two weeks.

Al-Ghannam was named in manager Stefano Pioli's starting XI for their recent league clash with Al-Orobah on Saturday, October 5. However, the Saudi Arabian defender was replaced by Salem Al-Najdi in the 20th minute after picking up a knock. The Knights of Najd defeated their counterparts 3-0 at Al-Awwal Park.

Ronaldo opened the scoring by converting a penalty in the 17th minute. He then assisted Sadio Mane for the second goal in the 29th minute. The former Liverpool star scored again in the 71st minute, securing a comfortable victory for his side.

Sultan Al-Ghannam has been a key player for the Knights of Najd this term. Prior to his injury, he played in all 11 games across competitions for the Saudi club, contributing a goal and three assists. Fortunately, there's a break in club football due to the international break, so he won't miss any important games for the next few days.

However, considering the reported length of his injury, Al-Ghannam could potentially miss his team's next game after the break. Al-Nassr are set to play against Al-Shabab in a top-four showdown on Friday, October 18.

What's next for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr after the international break?

Following Al-Nassr's clash with Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, they will travel to Iran to face Esteghlal FC in the AFC Champions League Elite on October 22. They will return to league action three days later against Al-Kholood.

The Knights of Najd have been in top form of late and will look to continue in such fashion after the international break. Since Stefano Pioli was appointed to replace Luis Castro, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. have been firing on all cylinders, racking up five consecutive victories under the Italian manager.

Their most recent league victory saw them move to third on the table with 14 points from six matches, four points behind Al-Hilal who lead the standings with 18 points. Meanwhile, they are fourth in the west region of the AFC Champions League with four points from two games.