Cristiano Ronaldo's keenly anticipated meeting with his old rival Lionel Messi could be in jeopardy.
Al Nassr postponed their proposed friendlies in China against Shanghai Shenhua and Zheijang after the five-time Ballon d'Or winner suffered a muscular injury that would have ruled him out of the matches.
The Saudi Pro League club will conclude their training camp in Shenzhen as planned and have pledged to re-arranged the friendly matches at the earliest convenience.
Al Nassr were due to face Shanghai Shenhua tomorrow (Wednesday, January 24) and take on Zhejiang four days later.
Their next scheduled game is the Riyadh Cup showpiece against Messi's Inter Miami back on home soil on Thursday, February 1.
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As of now, the exact nature of and recovery prognosis for Ronaldo's injury is unclear. It goes without saying that, with the game against Inter Miami only nine days away, it will have to be minor for him to play a full part in that proposed match.
In his own reaction, Ronaldo was focused on the inconvenience caused to fans in China and did not reflect upon his injury as a longer-term setback.
"As you know, in football some things you cannot control," he said at a media event. "I have played 22 years in football and I am a player that doesn't have too many injuries. So I'm really sad because Al Nassr and myself have come to China to enjoy the tour.
"I have been coming to China since 2003/2004, so I feel at home here — my second home. I felt that I am always special here. I feel sad. I know you are sad too, especially the people who love Cristiano, but we have to see this in a good way.
"We have not cancelled the game, we want to push for the game and be back here. We will be back.
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