Cristiano Ronaldo As expected, was not named on the team sheet Al-Nasser Game with Al-Riyadh this afternoon.

Reports earlier today suggested that the Portugal international was effectively on strike After making himself unavailable for the game against Al-Nasr’s cross-town rivals.

Ronaldo’s displeasure stems from what he believes is an imbalance in how the club’s majority shareholder – Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – has supported Al-Nasr compared to other clubs including Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad.

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, the final straw was news that Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema is set to join Al-Hilal after failing to negotiate a new deal at Al-Ittihad.

Al-Hilal are three points ahead of Al-Nasr in the Saudi Pro League And Ronaldo feels he will help their title rivals by keeping Benzema on board.

Al-Riyadh have no designs on the title and are just trying to stay in the top flight. They haven’t won since October and are fourth from bottom, one place above the relegation zone.

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Al-Riyadh Team News

Al-Riyadh: Borjan; Barbet, Al Bavardi, M Al Khaibari, A Al Khaibari; Sorrow, Gonzalez, Al Siyahi; Octu, Toze, Aaron

AL-NASSR Team News

Al-Nasr: To follow