Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro is set to take a break from work after medical advice.
As per GOAL, the Portuguese tactician won't be in the dugout when Al-Alami take on Al-Feiha at home in the Saudi Pro League on Friday (April 19). The team's assistant coach Vitor Severino will deputise in Castro's absence.
A club statement (as per GOAL) said that Castro will be out of work for a few days after a 'minor medical procedure'. The statement elaborated:
“Coach of the first team Mr. Luis Castro was advised by the doctor to refrain from physical activity for a few days following a minor medical procedure. Mr. Vitor Severino, the first assistant coach, will be in charge of the team until Mr. Castro comes back. Get well soon Mister.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. are second in the Saudi Pro League, 12 points behind runaway leaders Al-Hilal (77) after 27 games. With seven games left, Castro's side are set to finish in the top-two, leading third-placed Al-Ahli Saudi (52) by 13 points.
How Cristiano Ronaldo has fared at Al-Nassr this season?
Luis Castro has a decent record at Al-Nassr since taking charge of the Saudi Pro League giants in July this year. In 48 games across competitions, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. have won 36 times and lost six outings.
Undoubtedly, Ronaldo has played a major role in that. The 39-year-old has been on a tear this season, contributing 36 goals and 12 assists in 37 games across competitions.
That includes league-leading tallies of 29 goals and 10 assists in 25 games, but Ronaldo and Co. are likely to fall short in the title race yet again barring an unlikely implosion from leaders Al-Hilal.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's other goals this season have come in the AFC Champions League: six goals and an assist in eight games as Castro's side made the quarterfinals. Ronaldo's other goal of the campaign for Al-Nassr came in the King's Cup (in two games).