Why Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Al-Nassr squad as Saudi Pro League side steal late win in King's Cup clash against second-tier Al-Hazem - explained

The 39-year-old Portuguese star was among several top players who failed to make it to Stefano Pioli's matchday squad as Al-Nassr faced Al-Hazem in a King's Cup round of 32 clash. Ronaldo had featured and scored in the club's 3-0 win over Al-Ettifaq last Friday.

Per Saudi Arabian newspaper Al-Jazirah, Pioli decided to exclude Ronaldo from the matchday squad as he wanted the veteran star to get some rest ahead of their upcoming crucial Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions fixtures against Al-Wehda and Qatari club Al-Rayyan respectively. Marcelo Brozovic and Ali Lajami, on the other hand, are currently undergoing rehabilitation.

Ronaldo had missed the AFC Champions League opener against Al-Shorta last week after suffering from a virus as Al-Nassr were held to a 1-1 draw. He recovered from his illness in time ahead of the Al-Ettifaq clash later that week.

Al-Nassr took a 1-0 lead in the King's Cup clash courtesy of a strike from Sadio Mane at the stroke of half-time, but the second-tier side fought back with a second-half equaliser. Al-Nassr ensured their spot in the next round with a late goal from Nawaf Boushal.