Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Al Nassr’s matchday squad for Tuesday’s Saudi Pro League fixture against Damac.
Cyber Reporters gathered that the 40-year-old Portuguese superstar, who captains the team, is not among the 20 players selected for the crucial league clash.
Ronaldo’s absence is due to a tactical decision by Al Nassr’s head coach, Stefano Pioli, who wants to prioritize the team’s AFC Champions League campaign.
Pioli’s side is set to face J1 League giants Yokohama F. Marinos in the quarter-finals on Saturday, and the Italian coach has chosen to rest Ronaldo to preserve his fitness.
Sadio Mané is also absent from the squad due to suspension.
With Ronaldo and Mané out, Jhon Durán will lead Al Nassr’s attack against Damac.
Cyber Reporters understands that this is only the second time this season that Ronaldo has missed a Saudi Pro League game for Al Nassr.
The last time Ronaldo missed a league game was in October, when he was left out of the squad against Al Kholood.
That match ended in a 3-3 draw. Pioli’s decision to rest Ronaldo suggests that the team is focusing on their continental campaign.
