Cristiano Ronaldo turns to unusual treatment in race to be fit for World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in his final World Cup for Portugal this summer in the USA, Mexico and Canada and the veteran forward is doing all he can to be fit for the start of the tournament
Cristiano Ronaldo is undergoing pressotherapy in an effort to be fit in time for the World Cup. The 41-year-old is set to play at his final major international tournament this summer in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
But the Portuguese icon faces a race against time to be fit, having picked up a hamstring injury when playing for Al-Nassr last month.
“After tests, we see the injury suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo was more serious than expected,” Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus said on Friday.
“Cristiano will now travel to Spain, like other players who went for treatment when they were injured. His injury required treatment in Madrid with his personal therapist, and we hope he returns quickly and helps the team.”
But Ronaldo has turned to cutting-edge technology to help him back to full fitness. The forward has shared images undergoing pressotherapy which in basic terms involves using an air pressure machine to inflate a suit.
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That suit is then intended to squeeze the user’s arms, legs or abdomen in a rhythmic motion in an effort to help with lymphatic drainage, easing swelling and aches.
Ronaldo’s current employers Al-Nassr are next back in action this weekend as they go to Al-Khaleej. Portugal have been drawn to face Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K of the World Cup, with one side still to be decided.
Before that, the nation will take on Mexico and the USA in warm-up games, albeit it remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will be fit enough. The forward has already confirmed that the upcoming tournament will be his last.
Speaking earlier this season, he said: “When I mean soon, it’s: I’m going back in the days and tell you – I’m really enjoying the moment right now.
“As you know in football when you reach some age you count the months very quick. So, the moment is good.
“As I tell you before I feel very good in this moment, I score goals I still feel quick and sharp, I’m enjoying my game in the national team and Al Nassr, but of course, let’s be honest when I mean soon it’s probably one, two years [where] I’ll still be at the game.”
Asked if the upcoming World Cup will be his final one, Ronaldo added: “Definitely, yes.”
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