Al-Nassr have received a significant boost as the club's manager, Luis Castro, has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo is in good health.
The Portuguese football icon has been recovering from a muscle injury and was last seen in action during his team's 4-1 victory over Al-Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League on December 30, 2023.
Since then, the Riyadh-based team participated in only one friendly match, a highly anticipated encounter against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami on February 1 (resulting in a 6-0 victory for Al-Nassr).
Regrettably, the former Real Madrid striker was unable to participate in what could have been his final face-off against Messi. However, he has now evidently recuperated and is prepared to take on Al-Hilal in the club's ultimate friendly match on February 8 before returning to competitive action.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Castro said: "Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to face Al Hilal tomorrow."
This news comes at the right time as Al-Nassr are gearing up to take on Saudi Pro League rivals Al Feiha in the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League on February 14.
Following this meeting, Ronaldo and Co. return to league action on February 17, when Al-Nassr host Al Fateh. Currently, they are placed second in the standings, seven points behind leaders Al-Hilal.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been in fine form this campaign, having notched up 24 goals and 11 assists from 25 matches across competitions.
Remember, Al Hilal defeated Inter Miami 4-3 in the first game of the Riyadh Season Cup last Wednesday.
Messi and Suarez’s former Barcelona strike duo netted two goals against the Saudi team but still lost 4-3.