Cristiano Ronaldo and injuries: the few important games he couldn't play

Discipline, endurance, and scoring ability are some of the characteristics that Cristiano Ronaldo has demonstrated throughout his more than two decades of career.

Unlike many stars whose careers have been affected by recurring physical problems, the Portuguese striker has managed to stay on his feet. However, after learning of his hamstring injury following Al Nassr's last match against AlFayha (3-1), he could miss key matches as he has rarely done before.

The matches CR7 was unable to play

According to the official medical report shared by the team, 'El Bicho' will be sidelined indefinitely, meaning he could miss key matches with both Al Nassr and the Portuguese national team.

With only 10 games remaining in the Saudi Pro League, the Portuguese star may not play in the matches against NEOM SC and Al-Khaleej, although everything will depend on his recovery. Meanwhile, ahead of the FIFA double-header in March, Cristiano could also miss the match against Mexico on March 28 at Estadio Banorte and the USMNT on March 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the only matches with his country before what will be his sixth and final World Cup.

This situation is very unfamiliar for the 41-year-old, who has rarely had to miss games due to injury. One of the most memorable episodes occurred in the Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France, where the striker had to leave the game in tears in the 25th minute due to a knee injury after a collision with Dimitri Payet. Portugal ended up winning the title without him on the field.

Due to this injury, he was also unable to play in the 2016 European Super Cup between Real Madrid and Sevilla, a tournament that Madrid won in extra time.

Another delicate moment in the Portuguese player's career came in the 2015-16 Champions League semi-finals against Manchester City. A muscle injury (micro-tear in his thigh) suffered days earlier forced him to miss the first leg, which the team drew 0-0, but he was able to return to the Santiago Bernabéu for the second leg.

Also noteworthy is the 2013-14 Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, where the striker had to sit out the game due to an injury to his left hamstring and problems with his patellar tendon. Even without him, Real Madrid won 2-1.

The longest period the Portuguese international spent off the pitch was 71 days, from July 7 to September 15, 2008, during his time at Manchester United.

Throughout his career, Ronaldo has suffered other injuries, albeit minor ones. In fact, his absenteeism rate is close to 6%. His medical record remains remarkably short compared to other players of his generation, and considering that he has just turned 41, his performance continues to amaze.

Now, it remains to be seen how his hamstring injury progresses and which games the Portuguese player will miss.