Cristiano Ronaldo played through illness and vomited after Al-Nassr secured a 1-0 victory over Al-Ettifaq, extending their Saudi Pro League winning streak to 15 games, coach Jorge Jesus confirmed.
The 41-year-old forward, who is poised to play at a record sixth World Cup this summer, was substituted in the 89th minute of Wednesday’s match.
Head coach Jesus revealed afterwards: “I was thinking of not including him, he wasn’t in good shape.”
He added: “He was suffering from stomach pains and a general feeling of fatigue. When I substituted him, he went straight to the dressing room and threw up.”
Ronaldo’s 24 goals have been pivotal as Al-Nassr, currently enjoying their longest winning streak in the Saudi top-flight, sit eight points clear at the top of the table.
However, they have played a game more than their nearest challengers, Al-Hilal.
Ronaldo reportedly went on strike back in February amid an extraordinary row over the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s operation of the club.
His reasoning for the tantrum related to Al-Nassr’s transfer activity in the winter window, with the Portugal captain taking issue with supposed preferential treatment towards his club’s PIF-owned rivals.
Al-Nassr are one of four Saudi Pro League clubs owned by the Saudi state, joined by Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad in the PIF’s portfolio.
He missed two matches before returning to the fold in mid-February.
Ronaldo was also absent for two matches last month due to a hamstring injury, but has scored three goals in as many matches upon his return to the team.
He was also able to play through the pain barrier on Wednesday, as Al-Nassr took another step towards winning the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Nassr are due to return to action on Sunday when they face Al Wasl in the AFC Cup quarter-finals, but it remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will be well enough to lead the team.
