Cristiano Ronaldo went on strike for Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League win at Al-Riyadh on Monday - and now a decision has been made about his availability to face Al-Ittihad on Friday
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to miss Al-Nassr's game against Al-Ittihad on Friday(Image: Getty Images)
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Cristiano Ronaldo is set to miss his second successive game for Al-Nassr as he continues to strike against Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fun (PIF).
Ronaldo, 41, sat out of Monday's 1-0 win against Al-Riyadh due to his frustration with PIF, who own the 'Big Four' in Saudi, over a lack of transfer movement at the club.
His anger escalated when he saw title rivals Al-Hilal, who sit one point and one place above them in the Saudi Pro League, make Karim Benzema their fifth signing of the January transfer window.
Al-Nassr, meanwhile, did little in terms of recruitment in the winter market. They made just two incoming transfers with Abdullah Al-Hamdan signed from Al-Hilal and Haydeer Abdulkareem brought in from Al-Zawraa.
Although Ronaldo has trained with his Al-Nassr teammates this week, he won't be back available to face Al-Ittihad in their next game on Friday evening, according to Fabrizio Romano.
It's added there are no issues between Ronaldo and Al-Nassr's staff or management, as well as no injury or fitness problems. The Portugal international remains 'upset' about PIF's management with some Saudi clubs.
Senior Al-Nassr officials were confident that Ronaldo would end his strike to play against Al-Ittihad and were shocked that the United and Real Madrid legend has been left displeased with PIF.
Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC during the Saudi Pro League game between Al Nassr and Al Taawoun at Al Awwal Park
Cristiano Ronaldo is on strike(Image: Abdullah Ahmed, Getty Images)
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But five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo, who is said not to have received a concrete guarantee that the PIF will make changes regarding their management, will continue to boycott until alterations are made.
Talks are set to continue but Ronaldo has reportedly made it clear he will ask to leave in June if he doesn't receive the necessary promises as he tries to win the Saudi Pro League for the first time since joining three years ago.
Ronaldo, who has less than 18 months left on his contract, has scored 117 goals in 133 appearances for Al-Nassr. 18 in 22 have come this season for the ex-Juventus and Sporting CP man, who doesn't appear to be slowing down.