Cristiano Ronaldo could miss World Cup with superstar set for ‘urgent’ tests

Cristiano Ronaldo is sweating on whether he has a lengthy injury setback ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

The Portugal legend was forced off during Al Nassr’s 3-1 win over Al Fahya on Saturday.

Getty

Ronaldo appeared to pick up a muscle injury before signalling to the bench.

He was in visible discomfort as he was replaced by Abdullah Al-Hamdan in the 81st minute.

The 41-year-old could later be seen with an ice pack on the back of his knee.

It came after he had uncharacteristically missed a penalty for Al Nassr earlier in the match.

His effort from 12 yards went wide off the post with the score level at 0-0.

That miss appeared costly as Al Fayha took the lead on the troke of half time.

However, three second half goals for the visitors, including from Ronaldo’s replacement Al Hamdan secured all three points.

Following the match, Al Nassr boss Jorge Jesus confirmed the forward will undergo ‘urgent’ tests on the issue.

Jesus told reporters: “Ronaldo suffered muscle fatigue and the medical staff will urgently perform the necessary tests to determine his condition.”

It will spark fears ahead of this summer’s World Cup, which is now just three months away.

Getty

Ronaldo is looking to represent Portugal at a record sixth finals in North America this summer.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has featured at the last five tournaments, dating back to his first in 2006.

Ahead of the 2026 tournament, he is one of six players to have appeared at five separate World Cups.

Lionel Messi, Lothar Matthaus, Antonio Carbajal, Andres Guardado and Rafael Marquez have also achieved the feat.

Both Ronaldo and Messi could become the first to feature at six finals in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

Portugal begin their campaign on June 17 against the winner of the play-off involving New Caledonia, Jamaica and DR Congo.

Getty

They will also face Uzbekistan and Colombia during the group stage.

Roberto Martinez’s side have also scheduled friendlies against Mexico and the USA this month as they continue their preparations.

Ronaldo has scored 143 goals in 226 caps for Portugal since making his debut aged 18 in 2003.

Of those goals, eight have been across his 22 matches at the World Cup.

Paired with his penalty miss, the injury blow will be a setback for Ronaldo’s hopes of winning the Saudi Pro League golden boot.

He is looking to become the first European player to win the award three seasons in a row.

Getty

After failing to score on Saturday, Ronaldo has 21 goals in 22 appearances this season.

Ivan Toney currently leads the scoring charts, having found the net 23 times for Al Ahli.