Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to the Al-Nassr squad and could feature in Saturday’s match against Al-Fateh.
The Portuguese legend had missed the club’s last three matches following dissatisfaction with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) during the January transfer window. However, it now appears that he is set to end his protest and make his return to the pitch.
Ronaldo’s last appearance came on January 30, when he was among the goalscorers alongside Mohamed Simakan and Kingsley Coman in the victory over Al-Kholood.
Since that match, he missed three consecutive fixtures, but the team coached by Jorge Jesus managed well in his absence, recording three wins without conceding a goal.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star is reported to have been disappointed by what he perceived as a lack of support from the PIF in Saudi Arabia, especially after Karim Benzema was allowed to leave Al-Ittihad to join Al-Hilal, the team currently leading the Saudi league.
Ronaldo quickly returned to training, and recent reports, including those from journalist Fabrizio Romano, confirm that he will be available for selection in the upcoming match.
The return of the 41-year-old represents a major boost for Al-Nassr, even though the team is currently on a seven-match winning streak.
Ronaldo has scored 17 goals in Saudi Arabia this season, while only Ivan Toney and Julian Quiñones have scored more, with 20 and 18 goals respectively.
