RONALDO STILL IN SAUDI ARABIA AMID REPORTS HIS PRIVATE JET HAS LEFT

LONDON, March 4 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- Cristiano Ronaldo remains in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr undergoing rehabilitation for an injury despite reports his private jet has left the country amid the Middle East conflict, PA Media/dpa reported.

It was reported on Tuesday that a jet owned by the 41-year-old left Saudi Arabia on Monday.

Saudi Arabia, along with other Gulf states with United States military bases on their soil, has faced retaliatory strikes from Iran after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Saturday.

However, Ronaldo remains in the country, with his club Al Nassr first posting an image of the Portuguese superstar in training ahead of a home match against Neom on Saturday and then revealing he would have to spend time on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury suffered in the weekend win at Al Fayha.

The game against Neom is set to be played in Riyadh, where it was reported on Tuesday the US Embassy had been hit by Iranian drones.

In the United Arab Emirates, players were forced to evacuate the court at an ATP Challenger tennis event after a drone attack on a nearby oil terminal amid the escalating regional tensions.

The ATP later confirmed play at the Fujairah Challenger had been suspended for the day following a security alert.

“In line with established security protocols, play was immediately halted and players, officials and staff were directed to designated safe areas,” an ATP spokesperson said.

“The health, safety and well-being of our players, staff and tournament personnel is our priority. Following consultation with local authorities and security advisors, play has been cancelled for the remainder of the day as a precautionary measure.

“We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as appropriate.”

--BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa