Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr dealt blow as star man misses training ahead of Al-Hilal clash: Reports

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Al-Nassr teammates may have to lock horns with league leaders Al-Hilal without one of their key players due to injury. Marcelo Brozovic is reported to have missed training ahead of the mouth-watering league clash between the sides on Friday, November 1.

Brozovic was in action for the Knights of Najd in their recent King Cup of Champions Round of 16 clash with Al-Taawoun on Tuesday (October 29). The Croatian midfielder was named in the starting XI by manager Stefano Pioli but was taken off in the 65th minute after picking up a knock.

Al-Nassr was eliminated from the competition after losing 1-0 to Al-Taawoun. Cristiano Ronaldo had an opportunity to draw his side level in the match but missed his penalty in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

The Riyadh-based club will now look to overcome their recent disappointing loss as they prepare to take on league leaders Al-Hilal at home. However, they might be short-handed with Brozovic likely to miss the top-table clash as he was absent from training.

Brozovic, 31, has been a key player for Al-Nassr since joining the club from Inter Milan last season. In his debut season, he contributed four goals and eight assists in 30 league games as Al-Nassr finished second behind Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

The Croatian international has struggled with injuries this term. He has missed two league games, featuring six times, and has contributed a goal. Nevertheless, he remains a key player in Pioli's setup and will be a huge blow for the side if he is ruled out of the Riyadh derby.

Al-Nassr, however, are yet to offer any official statement as to his injury or availability for Friday’s clash against rivals Al-Hilal. Stefano Pioli's side are third in the standings with 18 points from eight matches, six points behind Al-Hilal who are atop the table.

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr teammates will look to end winless streak against Al-Hilal

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. will hope to end their winless streak against Al-Hilal when they welcome the table toppers to Al-Awaal Park on Friday.

Al-Nassr have failed to record a win in their last six meetings with Al-Hilal (four losses and two draws). The Knights of Najd last defeated Al-Hilal (2-1) in the Arab Club Cup tournament in 2023. Also, they have not beaten Al-Hilal in the league since 2021.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile has failed to score against Al-Hilal in three league meetings. The Portuguese ace however netted his side's only goal in a 4-1 loss when both teams met in the Super Cup at the start of the season.

He will hope to lead Al-Nassr to victory this time while adding to his league goal tally. The 39-year-old has registered six goals and two assists in seven league games.